Hippo Tang

The Hippo Tang comes from the Indio-Pacific.They have a striking blue and black coloration with white scalpel like blades at the base of their tail fin.If you plan on keeping Hippo Tangs, they spend much of their time grazing for algae so have plenty of live rock for them to graze on. They will also feed on dried algae or seaweed attached to a lettuce clip. This tang (and tangs in general) requires highly oxygenated water so make sure you have plenty of water surface agitation and/or air stones.

Careful observance of the Blue Tang is essential; as it is more susceptible
to lateral line disease, fin erosion, ich and other skin parasites than many
other fish.

Use caution when netting a Hippo Tang because of the blades at the base of
their tail fin. The blades can easily get hooked into the net. If this happens, gently move the net back and forth in the aquarium until the tang is released.

Like many marine species, you will have better results if you keep only one tang in your aquarium because they will become territorial otherwise. They use the blades at the base of their tales to slap at each other.

Hippo Tang(Paracanthurus hepatus)

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Diet: Herbivore

Max. Size: 12″