Blue Hippo Tang - Central Pacific

Paracanthurus hepatus


(0 Reviews)

Blue Hippo Tang - Central Pacific

Blue Hippo Tang - Central Pacific

Paracanthurus hepatus


(0 Reviews)

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Blue Hippo Tang - Central Pacific Care Facts

Care Level: Expert
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Flake, Pellet, Brine, Greens
Origin: Indian Ocean
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Coral Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons

Blue Hippo Tang

The Blue Hippo Tang, native to warm Indo-Pacific waters, including the Red Sea and Hawaiian Islands, inhabits coral-rich reefs, feeding primarily on algae. Reef-safe and peaceful, it grows up to 12 inches and can live over a decade in a spacious aquarium. Their diet includes algae-based foods, supplemented with marine algae and greens. When selecting tank mates, choose peaceful species, and provide ample space and hiding spots in a coral-rich environment. Captive-bred options support sustainable practices in the aquarium trade, reducing pressure on wild populations.

Habitat

Found in the warm Indo-Pacific waters, the Blue Hippo Tang thrives in coral-rich reefs, ranging from the Red Sea and eastern Africa to Hawaiian waters, feeding primarily on algae.

Reef Compatibility

The Blue Hippo Tang is a reef-friendly species, coexisting peacefully with corals and invertebrates, making it a great addition to reef aquariums due to its algae-eating habits.

Size and Lifespan

Reaching up to 12 inches in length, the Blue Hippo Tang is among the larger tang species and can live over ten years in spacious, well-cared-for aquariums.

Dietary Needs

As herbivores, they consume a variety of algae. A balanced diet of high-quality algae-based foods and marine algae supplements is crucial for captive Blue Hippo Tangs.

Aquaculture Efforts

To meet high demand, successful breeding through aquaculture is increasing, offering a sustainable option that lessens the impact on wild populations.

Compatibility and Tank Mates

Best kept with peaceful, non-aggressive fish, Blue Hippo Tangs require a large aquarium with ample hiding spots to prevent territorial behavior.

Aquarium Requirements

Mimicking their natural coral-rich reef habitat with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing and hiding is key to maintaining a healthy Blue Hippo Tang.

Alternative Names

The Blue Hippo Tang is also known as Palette Surgeonfish, Regal Tang, Royal Blue Tang, or Blue Tang, admired for its beauty and reef-safe nature in saltwater aquariums.

The tang I received is absolutely beautiful! Bright vibrant colors make this fish the centerpiece of my tank. I thought it would be dead when I got it due to a full day delay in delivery from bad weather but it and the other fish I ordered were alive and well. They are doing great and getting along with all the other fish in the tank.


Reviewed by: Debra Gray on July 16, 2017

How can you not love Dori ? I read that this is a very shy fish but this one in particular was not shy at all. Mediately it began sending around the rocks. Since I just started up my tank I was afraid that the yellow tang my boss in this particular purchase was a lot bigger than the hippo, that they would not get along. Luckily they both are getting along just fine because I think I introduced them at the same time. She started eating more than two and three days and now it's been about a week and a half and she's doing fabulous.


Reviewed by: Martha Cross on March 29, 2017

Beautiful addition. Always out and About though never too long away from home. Easy to co-exist with Powder Blue & Yellow Zebrasoma!


Reviewed by: Brent R> Witt on Aug. 15, 2016

Gorgeous fish but came in much smaller then expected . Fish takes a long time to acclimate to new environment. needs good hiding spots and lots of patience .


Reviewed by: Joseph Meaden on June 19, 2016

Came overnight and healthy. Purchased on sale for a 1/4 the price of my local fish stores. Was a little pale when he showed up, but quickly acclimated and is fun to watch. Very happy with my purchase


Reviewed by: Mike on July 7, 2015

Beautiful fish! Arrived a day late due to severe storms in Memphis. Everything was meticulously packed and arrived healthy after 2 days in the shipping box. Saltwater Fish does a great job in packaging the marine life. Make sure you follow the acclimation procedure before you enjoy these beautiful creatures!


Reviewed by: Robert Widor on July 1, 2015

What more then gorgeous and healthy can I say?! Thank you!


Reviewed by: Raeshelle Bauders on June 25, 2015

Overall satisfied so far. The fish was very shy at first spending 6 days hiding and then started to socialize. Starting to eat well and play with others in the reef.


Reviewed by: Andrew Conte on May 23, 2015

The blue hippo tang I received is over 3" long and vibrant blue, yellow, and jet black. It acclimated easily and is by far the most active fish in my tank. It owns the tank, but is not aggressive. It also has an excessive appetite and will not stop eating until all food is gone. I would imagine seeing it for sale at a pet store for $100+, as it was an inch longer and much more colorful than one I saw recently for $70.


Reviewed by: Andrew on May 5, 2015

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