Palette Surgeonfish
The palette surgeonfish (or Paracanthurus hepatus), also commonly known as the blue tang or regal tang, is a fish found throughout the warm tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa and Japan to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits coral reefs at depths of around 2m to 40m.
It is recognisable by its royal blue body, black markings and yellow tail.
Adults typically reach about 25cm to 31cm in length and weigh up to 0.6kg.
Paracanthurus hepatus
Aquarium needs
- Temperature
- 23 °C – 28 °C (tolerable 19 °C – 32 °C)
- Plant cover
- 20%–60%
- Shoal size
- 16–30
- Deep water
- 50 m² + 15 m² per additional adult
- Water
- Saltwater
- Food
- Copepods + Algae Pellets
- Food cost, grade 1 / 2 / 3
- $125 / $172 / $172
- Lifespan
- 20 yr
- Breeds in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Overview
- Scientific name
- Paracanthurus hepatus
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Shoal size
- 16 – 30
- Deep water
- 50 m² + 15 m² per additional adult
- Temperature
- 23 °C – 28 °C
- Water
- Saltwater
- Biome
- Reef