Blue Hippo Tang
Hippo Tang (Captive-Bred & Wild-Collected)
Species: Paracanthurus hepatus
Growth Form: N/A (Fish)
Coloration: Bright royal blue body with black palette-shaped markings and a
vibrant yellow tail
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Tank Size: Minimum 180 gallons
Placement: Open swimming areas / Mid-water
Lighting: No specific requirement
Flow: Moderate to High
Diet: Herbivore with Omnivorous Tendencies
Feeding: Nori seaweed, spirulina pellets, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality frozen foods (2–3 times daily)
Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Moderate
Blue Hippo Tang (Captive-Bred & Wild-Collected)
Common Names
- Hippo Tang
- Blue Hippo Tang
- Regal Tang
- Palette Surgeonfish
- Blue Tang
Identification
Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
Adult Size: Up to 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
The Hippo Tang is one of the most recognizable marine fish in the aquarium hobby, admired for its striking royal blue body, black palette-shaped markings, and vibrant yellow tail. Juveniles are typically bright blue and become deeper in coloration as they mature. Their active swimming behavior and peaceful temperament make them a favorite among reef hobbyists.
Behavior & Role in a Reef Tank
Hippo Tangs are active, open-water swimmers that spend much of the day grazing on algae and exploring the aquarium. They are generally peaceful toward other species but may display territorial behavior toward similarly shaped tangs. Their constant movement adds life and energy to larger reef aquariums.
Compatibility & Caution
Hippo Tangs are considered reef safe and coexist well with most community reef fish, including clownfish, gobies, wrasses, anthias, and dwarf angelfish. Due to their adult size and activity level, they require ample swimming space and should not be housed in small aquariums. Like many tang species, they can be susceptible to marine ich and other external parasites, making quarantine highly recommended.
Care Level
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
A mature aquarium with stable water parameters and strong water movement is essential. Plenty of live rock should be provided for grazing and shelter.
Diet: Herbivore with Omnivorous Tendencies
Offer a varied diet consisting of:
- Marine algae and seaweed sheets (nori)
- Spirulina-based pellets and flakes
- Mysis shrimp
- Brine shrimp
- High-quality frozen herbivore blends
Frequent small feedings help maintain health and vibrant coloration.
Tank Mates
Suitable companions include:
- Clownfish
- Fairy and Flasher Wrasses
- Gobies and Blennies
- Anthias
- Dwarf Angelfish
- Foxface Rabbitfish
- Peaceful Tangs (introduced carefully)
Avoid housing with aggressive fish that may harass them or in tanks too small for their swimming requirements.
Fun Fact
The Hippo Tang gained worldwide popularity from the character "Dory" in Pixar's Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Despite their popularity as juveniles, these fish grow significantly and require spacious aquariums to thrive long-term.