The only member of Genus Paracanthurus, the blue tangfish, does well in the tank. They bring colors and activities to spark up the entire tank environment. However, they require some caution. This article will teach about the cautions, the development of a proper blue tang environment for tanks, and their relation with clownfish. Just before the conclusion, you will also find some facts about blue tangfish and clownfish.
Content Table
Blue Tang Fish
The Blue Tang fish are native to tropical Indo-Pacific waters. Their blue color is the most highlighted aspect, as it varies according to their mood and age. This fish is a common choice of aquarists. Here is a basic profile of the blue tang.
| Attribute | Description |
| Common Names | Regal Blue Tang |
| Pacific Blue Tang | |
| Hippo Tang | |
| Doctor fish | |
| Letter Six Fish | |
| Scientific Name | Paracanthurus hepatus |
| Size | Up to 12 inches |
| Color | Bright blue, with a yellow tail and black marking on the back |
| Behavior | Highly social and swims in large groups |
| Activity | Highly active |
| Distribution | Throughout Indo-Pacific |
| Living depth | 7 to 130 feet deep in the ocean |
| Diet | Herbivorous |
| Feeding | Young tangs: plankton |
| Mature tangs: algae and plankton | |
| Lifespan | 8–20 years in captivity |
| Conservation status | Least concerned |
Are Blue Tang Fish Poisonous?
Yes, blue tangs are poisonous. They have poisonous spines and flesh, although it is mild, and they use it as a defense mechanism. If humans consume them largely, it can cause ciguatera poisoning. Here is a brief explanation of their poisonous nature.
Spines and Mucus
Like other fish, they have spines, but their spines have a mild venom. When they feel threatened, they erect their spine. These spines cause cuts and injury to predators, i.e., animals or humans. Moreover, they release mucus from their body. It causes slight irritation and intoxication.
Flesh
Their flesh has a strong odor. This odor can cause ciguatera poisoning, which leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. However, it happens when somebody consumes it on a large scale.
blue tang environment for tanks
How Much Is a Blue Tang Fish
The price of a blue tang fish largely depends on the size and source, i.e., captive or wild. Captive breeds or tank-raised breeds are more expensive than wild. The best size to buy a blue tang for your tank ranges from 1/2 to 8 inches long. Here is the price tag for different sizes of blue tang caught in the wild.
| Size | Price |
| Small | Up to $119 |
| Medium | Up to $130 |
Blue Tang Environment Parameters for Tanks
Having a blue tang in your aquarium is entertaining and a procedure worth learning. It requires knowing about their environment and water parameters.
Tank Environment
Blue tangs are active swimmers. So, they require an open swimming space, i.e., a minimum 75-gallon tank. However, a higher-volume tank will do better. Add live rocks as they provide hiding spots and grazing fields as algae can grow on them. However, install rocks and grow plants in a way that they don’t hinder their swimming space.
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific gravity | 1.020–1.025 |
| Ammonia | 0 |
| Nitrite | 0 |
| Nitrate | Less than 20 ppm |
Care Sheet of Blue Tang Fish
Here is a care guide for your blue tang fish.
Tank Setup
- Use at least a 75-gallon tank for one blue tang.
- Install biological and mechanical filtration to remove debris and break down harmful substances, e.g., nitrite and ammonia.
- Install blue and white spectrum light and turn it on for 10 to 12 hours daily.
- Prepare fine sand or small-grain gravel as a substrate.
- Install live rocks, artificial corals, and caves. They will provide hiding spots and a natural habitat look.
Water Parameters
Set the previously discussed water parameters in the tank.
Maintenance
- Change 20% water after every two weeks.
- Besides the tank cleaning, clean the equipment, e.g., filters, flow pump, etc., to avoid algae bloom.
- Use a thermostat to control the water temperature. Otherwise, use some reliable heaters or chillers.
- Check water parameters frequently, i.e., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and salinity.
Feeding
- They are herbivores and love to graze on marine algae, dried seaweed sheets, herbivore pellets, and frozen or fresh marine algae.
- Feed 2 to 3 times daily by sprinkling the food around the tank’s surface.
Acclimation
- Initially, introduce the blue tang into your quarantine tank to avoid mishaps.
- Hang the bag in the tank’s water to equalize the temperature. Moreover, gradually replace the bag’s water with the tank’s water within 20 to 30 minutes.
Handling
They can poison the handler. Therefore, avoid unnecessary handling. If handling is inevitable, always use a fish net. Moreover, avoid sudden movement as it can threaten them.
Health Issues
| Disease | Symptoms | Solution |
| White spot disease | White spot on body and fins | Quarantine the new fish
Maintain the water quality |
| Marine velvet | Weight loss
Skin turns Velvety |
Quarantine new fish |
| Bacterial Infections | Redness, sores, fin rot | Maintain water quality
Readily address injuries |
| Fin erosion | Fin deterioration
Ragged appearance |
Maintain water quality
Feed them a balanced diet |
Blue Tang Fish and Clownfish
Blue tang fish and clownfish have identical habitats, i.e., they live around tropical reefs. They have a cinematic relationship. A Disney picture, i.e., Finding Nemo, represents both a neighbor and a friendly creature. Otherwise, both are different species with distinct characteristics. However, both species are peaceful. Therefore, they can coexist in a tank.
Does Tuna Eat Blue Tang Fish
Yes, tuna fish prey on blue tang fish. Other carnivore fish, i.e., bar jacks, tiger groupers, snappers, and barracudas, prey on the blue tangs. However, it’s hard to consume them as they are poisonous.
blue tang fish
Fun Facts About Blue Tang Fish
- They are the only member of the genus Paracanthurus and a part of the Surgeonfish family, you can find more tang fish on hygger blog
- They are known as letter six fish that can change their color according to the mood, e.g., under stress, they turn into dark violet.
- Juveniles have bright yellow with blue-tipped fins.
- They can weigh up to 600 grams and live in a group. A group can scale up to 12 members.
- They help in the coral reef life cycle, consume algae grown over coral, and avoid suffocation. Their spines have mild venom.
- Male do sword fighting with their cuddle spines. Dominant males have breeding superiority.
- A pair lays over 40,000 eggs in a spawning session, and parents leave these eggs to fend for themselves.
- They become venomous by consuming microscopic dinoflagellate plankton.
- Consuming blue tang fish at large causes ciguatera poisoning.
- Blue tangs are peaceful, but they become aggressive about their grazing fields.
- With ideal conditions, they can live up to 20 years. However, with proper care, they can live up to 10 years.
In Closing
Blue tang fish is a popular aquarist choice due to its coloration. They change color according to their mood swings. However, they are difficult to handle due to venomous spines and mucus. Blue tang meat consumption is also harmful. Add peaceful neighbors and set the optimal water conditions for a healthy environment in the tank for them. To raise your love for the blue tang, watch Finding Nemo.
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