Blue Tang

Picture of Blue Tang

Description of the Blue Tang

The Blue Tang is also known by the names Palette surgeonfish, Blue Tang, Flagtail Surgeonfish, Blue Surgeonfish, Wedgetail Blue Tang and Palette Surgeon. Is is a Surgeonfish and makes a beautiful addition to any saltwater aquarium. The Blue tang can be identified by its vibrant yellow tail, blue body and black 'palette' design'. Beware of its razor sharp spines!

Popular Name: Blue Tang
Species: Paracanthurus hepatus

Picture of a Blue Tang

Blue Tang

Facts - Information - Picture

Profile of the Blue Tang
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Blue Tang species.

  • Size: Up to 30cm

  • Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.0 to 8.4

  • Diet / Feeding: Krill, Mysis Shrimp, Algae

  • Temperament: Good Community Fish

  • Habitat: Reef dwellers

  • Behaviour: Best to place in pairs or small groups of up to 10 depending on the size of tank

  • Range: Indo-Pacific

 

Scientific Classification of the Blue Tang
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

  • Species: Paracanthurus hepatus

  • Popular Name: Palette Surgeonfish - Blue Tang - Flagtail Surgeonfish - Blue Surgeonfish - Wedgetail Blue Tang - Palett Surgeon

  • Kingdom: Animalia

  • Phylum: Chordata

  • Class: Actinopterygii

  • Order: Perciformes

  • Family: Acanthuridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Blue Tang?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!



Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Blue Tang slimy?
Blue Tang secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Blue Tang to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Blue Tang have gills?
Gills enable the Blue Tang to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Blue Tang have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

  • Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Blue Tang has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

  • Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Blue Tang has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

  • Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Blue Tang has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

  • Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Blue Tang has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Blue Tang

Blue Tang

  • Interesting Information about Blue Tang

  • Facts about Fish Species - Why are Blue Tang slimy?

  • Why do the Blue Tang have gills?

  • Facts about Fish Species - Why do the Blue Tang have fins?

  • Species: Paracanthurus hepatus

Fish Species

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