Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
Common Names: Hippo Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Pacific Blue Tang, Regal Tang
Max. size: 31.0 cm TL (male/unsexed) 12.2 inches
Environment: reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 40 m
Climate: tropical; 24 - 26°C
Distribution: Indo-Pacific = East Africa to the Line Islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Samoa. Throughout Micronesia. Also known from Gilbert Islands (Kiribati); Mariana Islands and Mascarene Islands.
Morphology: Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-20; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 18-19. Bright blue, yellow and black in color.
Biology: Occurs in clear, current-swept terraces of seaward reefs. Observed in loose aggregations 1 or 2 meters above the bottom; juveniles and subadults typical in groups near isolated Pocillopora eydouxi coral heads and when alarmed hide themselves tightly among the branches. Feeds on zooplankton. Relatively uncommon and highly localized. A very popular and hardy aquarium fish.
Aquarium Care: This species can be hard to keep, because it is more susceptible to some diseases (ich, lateral line and fin erosion). Can be shy at first, so hiding places will be helpful. Usually not too aggressive, unless same or similar species. May be picked on by more aggressive species.