Surgeonfish
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ciar" title="User:Ciar">Ciar</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameSurgeonfish
Scientific NameParacanthurus hepatus
Common NamesRegal Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Blue Tang, Hippo Tang, Flagtail Surgeonfish, Blue Surgeonfish
FamilyAcanthuridae
OriginIndo-Pacific
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietherbivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)12
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)75-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesClownfish, Gobies, Blennies, Angelfish (non-dwarf), Wrasses, Damselfish (non-aggressive types), Hawkfish
Description
The Regal Tang is a vibrant blue fish with distinct black markings and a bright yellow tail, making it a striking addition to large marine aquariums. It is a popular species known for its active swimming and grazing habits, primarily feeding on marine algae. Like all surgeonfish, it possesses a sharp scalpel-like spine near its tail, which it can use for defense.
