Regal Tang

Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

Overview

The Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), also known as the Blue Tang or Palette Surgeonfish, is one of the most iconic and visually striking marine species. It features a vibrant royal blue body, black palette markings along its sides, and a bright yellow caudal fin. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including reefs around East Africa, Japan, and the Pacific islands, this tang is an active and graceful swimmer, making it a highly sought-after addition to large marine and reef aquariums.

Regal Tangs are peaceful in nature but require ample swimming space and stable water conditions to thrive in captivity.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (475 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: Provide open swimming areas, moderate to strong water flow, and live rock for grazing and hiding

Due to their active swimming behavior, Regal Tangs require a well-maintained, spacious aquarium with excellent filtration.

Diet and Feeding

The Regal Tang is primarily herbivorous but will accept occasional meaty foods. A balanced and varied diet supports health, coloration, and natural grazing behavior:

• Dried seaweed (nori) or macroalgae sheets

• Spirulina-based flakes or pellets

• Frozen herbivore blends

• Occasional mysis or brine shrimp for supplemental protein

Feed two to three small portions daily to mimic natural grazing behavior.

Temperament and Compatibility

Regal Tangs are generally peaceful and compatible with most community species, though they may become territorial toward other tangs in smaller aquariums.

Tankmate Recommendations:

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

• Avoid: Overcrowding with other tangs in small tanks

Introducing the Regal Tang into an established tank helps reduce stress and promotes natural behavior.

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

Regal Tangs are reef safe and do not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. Their grazing on filamentous algae contributes to a clean and healthy reef environment.

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years with proper care

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Natural Behavior: Active swimmer, constant grazer, generally peaceful

• Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs, from East Africa to the Pacific

The Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) is a vibrant, hardy, and active species that adds movement, color, and natural algae control to medium to large marine or reef aquariums. With stable water conditions, ample swimming space, and a varied herbivorous diet, it thrives as a long-lived and visually captivating member of the aquarium community.