Powder Blue

Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)

Overview

The Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is one of the most visually striking surgeonfish in the aquarium hobby. Its electric blue body, black face mask, bright yellow dorsal fin, and contrasting white chest make it a vibrant centerpiece for large reef or marine aquariums.

Native to the Indian Ocean, including reefs off East Africa, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, the Powder Blue Tang is an active grazer that thrives in open water areas with strong current. It is a popular but demanding species, requiring pristine water quality and ample swimming space.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons (570 litres) or larger

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: < 10 ppm

• Aquascape: Open swimming areas with strong water flow and hiding places in live rock

The Powder Blue Tang is highly sensitive to poor water quality and rapid changes in aquarium parameters. A large, mature, well-filtered system with high oxygen levels is essential.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily herbivorous, the Powder Blue Tang grazes continuously on algae in the wild. In captivity, it requires a varied diet to maintain health and vibrant coloration:

• Dried seaweed (nori) or macroalgae sheets

• Spirulina-based flakes or pellets

• Frozen herbivore blends

• Occasional mysis or brine shrimp for variety

Feed multiple small portions daily. Supplementing with algae-rich foods helps replicate natural grazing behavior and prevents digestive issues.

Temperament and Compatibility

Powder Blue Tangs are semi-aggressive and territorial, especially toward other tangs. They are best housed singly in aquariums unless the tank is very large and can accommodate multiple tangs with separate territories.

Tankmate Recommendations:

• Suitable: Peaceful or semi-aggressive species such as angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, and clownfish

• Avoid: Other tangs in smaller tanks, particularly other Acanthurus species

Introducing the Powder Blue Tang as one of the last additions to an established aquarium can reduce territorial stress.

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Powder Blue Tang is considered reef safe. It does not harm corals or sessile invertebrates and provides a natural benefit by grazing on algae growth. Ensure adequate algae availability or supplementation to support nutrition.

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 23 cm (9 inches)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years with proper care

• Difficulty Level: Advanced

• Natural Behavior: Active swimmer, constant grazer, semi-aggressive toward other tangs

• Origin: Indian Ocean – including reefs of East Africa, Maldives, and Sri Lanka

The Powder Blue Tang is a stunning addition to any large reef or marine aquarium. With stable water conditions, a spacious swimming environment, and a nutritious algae-rich diet, it thrives as a long-lived, highly active, and vibrant species.