Powder Blue Tang

• Reef Safe
• Moderate Care
• Semi-Aggressive
• Herbivore
• Min. 180 Gallon Tank
• Maximum growth size is 9"
• Subject may vary from picture

The Powder Blue Tang, also known as the Powder Blue Surgeonfish, is an iconic marine aquarium fish prized for its vibrant coloration and bold markings. The Powder Blue Tang has a pleasing oval-shaped body showcasing several varying shades of beautiful blue coloration. A band of bright yellow coloration highlights the dorsal and pectoral fins for a fantastic pop of color. The Powder Blue Tang sports an adorable black mask that is wonderfully accentuated by a patch of white coloration along its chin. In the wild, the Powder Blue Tang boasts a large natural range concentrating around the Indian Ocean from the eastern coast of Africa to the Andaman Sea and south through Indonesia to the North West Coast of Australia. The Powder Blue Tang is a reef-associated species typically inhabiting shallow coastal and inland coral reefs occurring individually or as a large feeding aggregation.

Though popular among marine aquarium hobbyists, the Powder Blue Tang also has a reputation of being difficult to keep as it typically has to travel a long distance from collection, exposing the Powder Blue Tang to an array of potential stressors, making it highly susceptible to ectoparasites. Therefore, it is essential to properly quarantine and condition your Powder Blue Tang and to house it in a large aquarium with near pristine water quality. For best care, the Powder Blue Tang should be housed in an established, well-filtered aquarium of at least 125 gallons in size.

To best recreate a natural reef environment for your Powder Blue Tang, aquascape generously with live rock but be sure to arrange your reef aquarium landscape so there are open areas with ample room to swim. Consider enhancing water movement for your Powder Blue Tang by employing powerheads or wavemakers. Like all Tangs, this member of the Acanthuridae family demonstrates territorial aggression towards its own species, or Tangs in general. Therefore, it is best to keep just one Powder Blue Tang per aquarium, unless multiple Powder Blue Tangs are introduced simultaneously into a very large system.

Although the Powder Blue Tang will accept meaty foods, it is essential to offer your Powder Blue Tang plenty of marine-based seaweed and algae. This will help strengthen its immune system, reduce aggression, and improve overall health. At least 3 times per week, offer dried seaweed or Nori by way of veggie clip along with Spirulina or algae pellets.