Blue (Hippo) Tang – Paracanthurus hepatus

About this fish

Blue (Hippo) Tang – Paracanthurus hepatus is a saltwater surgeonfish for marine aquariums, sold under the verified species name Paracanthurus hepatus. As an active algae grazer and open-water swimmer, it’s commonly used to help keep nuisance algae in check while adding a bold, blue look to a reef or reef-influenced setup. In practice, it works best in a well-established tank with stable water quality and enough swimming space, since tangs tend to be high-energy and can become territorial toward other tangs.

Features:

• Verified tang species: Paracanthurus hepatus, a classic marine algae-grazing surgeonfish.
• Active, fast swimmer that typically uses the mid to upper parts of the aquarium for cruising and feeding.
• Diet includes plant/algae sources; offering a mix of algae-based foods helps support long-term health.
• Often more territorial toward the same or similar tangs; plan stocking accordingly.
• Benefits from strong, stable filtration and good, circulating flow that supports overall reef tank water quality.
• Does best in a well-cycled system with consistent parameters rather than frequent changes.

Specifications:

• Care level: Intermediate (requires stable, mature saltwater conditions and appropriate diet)
• Temperament: Generally active; may show aggression toward other tangs/similar fish
• Adult size: Can reach roughly 10–12 in (25–30 cm)
• Diet: Omnivore/mostly algae-based diet (algae/seaweed and marine herbivore foods; supplemental meaty foods as appropriate)
• Temperature: About 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH: About 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: About 1.020–1.025 specific gravity
• Water flow: Moderate to strong, with good circulation
• Placement: Mid to upper water column