{"product_id":"african-blue-tang-paracanthurus-hepatus","title":"African Blue Tang (Paracanthurus Hepatus)","description":"\u003cp style=\"margin:1em 0\"\u003eThe African Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) is an iconic, vibrant marine fish renowned for its deep blue body, distinctive black markings, and bright yellow tail. As an active and energetic swimmer, it creates an eye-catching focal point in spacious marine aquarium setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:1em 0\"\u003eThis herbivorous surgeonfish thrives in reef environments, helping naturally control nuisance algae without harming corals. While peaceful toward most dissimilar tankmates, it benefits from pristine water quality, ample swimming room, and a diet rich in marine seaweed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:1.25em 0 0.5em\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"pu-table\" style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border:0;box-shadow:none;outline:none;background:none;table-layout:fixed;margin:0 0 1em\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eAfrican Blue Tang\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eOther Common Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eBlue Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Dory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eIndo-Pacific (Widespread)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eMax Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003e25-30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eSemi-Aggressive \/ Active\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eHerbivore (Primarily algae and seaweed)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003e681 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0.75em 0.4em 0;opacity:0.65;vertical-align:top\"\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0.4em 0;vertical-align:top\"\u003eReef Safe (Excellent for algae control)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:1.25em 0 0.5em\"\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:1em 0\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrimary Common Name: African Blue Tang\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther Common Names: Blue Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Dory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMax Size: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Semi-Aggressive \/ Active\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiet: Herbivore (Primarily algae and seaweed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 180+ Gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef Compatibility: Reef Safe (Excellent for algae control)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:1.25em 0 0.5em\"\u003eMaterials \u0026amp; care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:1em 0\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiet: As a surgeonfish, this fish is primarily an herbivore that grazes continuously on algae in the wild. A captive diet must be rich in vegetable matter, including dried seaweed (nori) and high-quality vegetable flakes or pellets. While they will accept meaty foods like brine shrimp, these should be offered sparingly as supplements only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeeding: Offer dried marine seaweed (nori) attached to a clip in the aquarium multiple times per week. The majority of the diet should be plant-based to support digestive health and boost the immune system against common diseases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef Compatibility: It is considered reef safe. The African Blue Tang is an excellent addition to a reef tank, where its constant grazing helps control nuisance algae growth without harming corals. Caution should be exercised with very small or delicate sessile invertebrates, but overall they are a suitable reef resident.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: It is semi-aggressive and active. While peaceful towards other fish species, it can be aggressive toward its own kind or other blue-colored tangs. If housing a group, it is best to introduce a few small juveniles simultaneously into a very large tank to help distribute aggression.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecial Care: This species is highly susceptible to Marine Ich and other parasitic infections, especially when stressed. Maintaining pristine water quality, a stable temperature, and a diet rich in vitamins is critical for long-term health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:1.25em 0 0.5em\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:1em 0\"\u003eGenerally peaceful toward most marine tankmates and reef-safe with corals. Can display territorial behavior toward other tangs or similarly shaped and colored fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"pu-table\" style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border:0;box-shadow:none;outline:none;background:none;table-layout:fixed;margin:0\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:1.25em 0 0.5em\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e.pu-faq[open]\u003esummary .pu-faq-c{transform:rotate(180deg)}\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"pu-table\" style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border:0;box-shadow:none;outline:none;background:none;table-layout:fixed;margin:0 0 1em\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"pu-faq\" style=\"padding:0.45em 0\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:10px;list-style:none\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the recommended diet for an African Blue Tang?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.75\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" class=\"pu-faq-c\" style=\"width:1em;height:1em;flex:none;opacity:0.6;transition:transform 0.15s\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 9l6 6l6 -6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:0.4em 0 0\"\u003eThey are primarily herbivores requiring a diet rich in vegetable matter, such as dried marine seaweed (nori) and high-quality vegetable pellets or flakes, with meaty foods offered only as occasional supplements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"pu-faq\" style=\"padding:0.45em 0\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:10px;list-style:none\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the African Blue Tang safe for reef aquariums?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.75\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" class=\"pu-faq-c\" style=\"width:1em;height:1em;flex:none;opacity:0.6;transition:transform 0.15s\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 9l6 6l6 -6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:0.4em 0 0\"\u003eYes, it is reef safe and serves as an effective natural grazer to control nuisance algae without damaging corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.16);border-bottom:1px solid color-mix(in srgb,currentColor 12%,transparent)\"\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"pu-faq\" style=\"padding:0.45em 0\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:10px;list-style:none\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat minimum aquarium size is required?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.75\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" class=\"pu-faq-c\" style=\"width:1em;height:1em;flex:none;opacity:0.6;transition:transform 0.15s\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 9l6 6l6 -6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:0.4em 0 0\"\u003eA minimum tank size of approximately 681 liters (180+ gallons) is recommended to accommodate their active swimming behavior and adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"border:0;padding:0\"\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"pu-faq\" style=\"padding:0.45em 0\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:10px;list-style:none\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should aggression be managed with other tangs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.75\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" class=\"pu-faq-c\" style=\"width:1em;height:1em;flex:none;opacity:0.6;transition:transform 0.15s\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 9l6 6l6 -6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:0.4em 0 0\"\u003eThey can be territorial toward their own kind or similarly colored fish; if housing multiple tangs, introduce juveniles simultaneously in a very large aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Fulfillment Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFish and corals ship Monday through Thursday. Not all fish are sexed. If so it will specify.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnce your order ships, you will receive an email with your tracking number. Refunds are always issued for any fish not shipped.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlantedPlus operates as a collective of trusted freshwater and saltwater importers. This policy allows us to prioritize animal welfare while maintaining reliable service for our hobbyists.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Cost Disclosure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo help keep ordering live fish online affordable, Planted Plus subsidizes a portion of shipping costs. Because these costs are incurred regardless of order completion, shipping charges are non-refundable.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Planted Plus","offers":[{"title":"Tiny (1.5-2\")","offer_id":67625448767738,"sku":"21242","price":136.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (2-2.75\")","offer_id":67625448800506,"sku":"21243","price":178.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (2.75-3.5\")","offer_id":67625448833274,"sku":"21244","price":199.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (3.5-4\")","offer_id":67625448866042,"sku":"21245","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/3745\/5610\/files\/African-Yellow-Belly-Blue-Tang.webp?v=1790978570","url":"https:\/\/plantedplus.com\/products\/african-blue-tang-paracanthurus-hepatus","provider":"Planted Plus","version":"1.0","type":"link"}