Pacific Blue Kelp

The Pacific Blue Tang became famous with the release of the movie "Finding  Nemo". Nemo's traveling companion was Dory, a Hippo or Pacific Blue Tang. Ironically (even in an aquarium) "Dory  fish" seems very much like the movie character, who seems to have a short memory and flirts everywhere. The producers did an excellent job researching the characteristics of this fish when writing the film.

It is important to know that the Pacific Blue Tang is not an easy fish to keep, and is certainly not suitable for children. 


characteristics

Scientific name Paracanthurus hepatus

Synonym Teuthis hepatus

Common name Pacific Blue Tang, Hippo Tang, Blue Regal Tang, and Palette Surgeonfish. Also recognized and known as "Dory", the fish in the Disney film  Finding Nemo .

Family Acanthuridae

Origin Native to reefs across the Indo-Pacific.

Adult size 12.2 inches (31 cm).

Social Mildly aggressive

Life span 5 years or longer

Tank level All levels

Minimum tank size 100 gallons 

Diet Omnivore

Breeding Eggs expelled over coral reefs

Care Moderate

pH 8.1 – 8.4

Temperature 75°F–82°F (25°C–28°C)

Origin and distribution

Pacific Blue Kelp (not surprisingly) from the Pacific Ocean, but can also be found in the Indian Ocean, from East Africa to Micronesia. They have also become visible in the Seychelles, Madagascar, the Marshall Islands, southern Japan and the Great Barrier Reef (Australia).


They prefer coral reefs and rocky areas near the coast and are usually found in depths of 6-131 feet. 


Colors and markings

Pacific Blue Kelp have oval bodies and sharp spines along the sides of their scales. These scalpel-shaped spines (earning the fish the name "surgeon fish") are usually held flat along the fish's body but emerge when the Tang is threatened.


Any predator in the range of the Pacific Blue Tang's tail will get a faceful of spines. The caudal spine also contains a toxin that can injure or kill other fish (depending on size).


These fish change appearance as they mature. Juveniles are yellow with blue spots near their eyes; their fins have light blue tips. Over time, the fish's body turns dark blue, with dark lines running along it. Their tail and pectoral fin are bright yellow.


Tankmates

Pacific Blue Tangs are not the most sociable fish and can be combative with each other. You can lower the risk of aggression by introducing several at the same time and giving them a very large tank; otherwise it is best to keep only one at a time. In general, Pacific Blue Tangs should also be kept away from all other surgeonfish. They can do well (as in the movie) with Clownfish, other peaceful fish and invertebrates.


Pacific Blue Tang Habitat and Care

The Pacific Blue Kelp is very active, which requires a large tank, preferably at least 100 liters or more. It thrives on grazing on live rock and needs a lot of oxygenated water, which can be achieved through increased excrement or air stones.


This species is not overly aggressive towards other tank keepers but can become boisterous in society.


Juveniles can be kept together in groups, but adults will struggle unless plenty of shelter and swimming is provided. Be sure to have plenty of hiding places for them to retire when challenged by other Blue Tangs. Pacific Blue Tang find the strange hiding places. It will quite often stick its head in a crack in the live rock with its body sticking out, thinking it is completely hidden. It will also lie flat on the substrate, think it is hidden, and allow itself to be physically picked up without a struggle.


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Like most surgeonfish, the Pacific Blue Tang is prone to contact with and is susceptible to head and lateral line erosion (HLLE).


Pacific Blue Tang Diet

Unlike most Tangs or Surgeonfish that require a steady diet of algae, the Pacific Blue Tang should also be fed meaty fare to satisfy its zooplankton dietary needs.


Finely chopped fresh or frozen shrimp, mysidra, shrimp and herbivore preparations are suitable foods, as well as nori (dried seaweed) are accepted. To aid in the healing of HLLE problems, foods can be soaked in a liquid vitamin supplement, such as Selcon , and Kent Marine Zoecon .


Sexual differences

The male and female look very similar, but the male is usually larger. Two males in a tank can often fight each other using their sharp caudal fins.


Breeding of Pacific Blue Kelp

Growing Pacific Blue Tang in an aquarium tank is not easy. This is partly because their breeding habits require a coral reef. During breeding season, Pacific Blue Tangs gather in breeding groups. After the females expel about 40,000 of their eggs into the water above a coral reef, the males pass out through the "cloud" of eggs that displace sperm and fertilize the egg. When fertilization is complete, both males and females pass out; the offspring are left to fend for themselves.


One day after fertilization, the egg hatches. The larvae in a plankton "soup" over a period of time, feeding and growing until they are ready to metamorphose into juvenile Tang. As they go through this change, they change their habitat and settle in the coral reef. Juveniles mature while living in the reef, growing and changing both their appearance and their habits. The Pacific Blue Tang can live as long as 30 years in its natural environment.


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More pet fish and further research

Surgeonfish and Tangs are challenging, but their stunning beauty can seduce you. If you feel you are ready to take on a reef tank with one or more Pacific Blue Tangs, make sure you have the facilities to care for such a demanding pet. But while the Pacific Blue is a wonderful fish, other Tangs and Surgeonfish are just as appealing. If you are interested in similar breeds, check out:


Powder Brown Kelp Fish Breed Profile


Orange Shoulder Tang Fish Breed Profile


Lipstick Tang Fish Breed Profile


Otherwise, you can check out all of our other saltwater fish breed profiles.

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