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!
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.
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
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