Regal Tang
Males are typically larger than females according to the adw.
Regal tang. A number of common names are attributed to the species including palette surgeonfish blue tang leading to confusion with the atlantic blue barber royal blue tang hippo tang flagtail surgeonfish pacific regal blue tang and blue surgeonfish. The regal tang paracanthurus hepatus is a species of indo pacific surgeonfish. Regal tangs should not harm sessile invertebrates provided that they are feeding well and consuming a balanced diet.
It is seen in the reefs of the philippines indonesia japan the great barrier reef of australia new caledonia samoa east africa and sri lanka. The regal blue tang can be found throughout the indo pacific. The spines are easily tangled in nets.
They live in pairs or in small groups of 8 to 14 individuals. The regal blue tang is one of the most common and most popular marine aquarium fish all over the world. Such as small sharks groupers triggers etc.
A popular fish in marine aquaria it is the only member of the genus paracanthurus. The regal tang is a member of the surgeonfish family. The surgeon name refers to two sharp spines that stick out at the caudal peduncle the area where the tail joins the rest of the body.
It reaches 30 cm 12 inches in length and weighs around 600 g 1 3 lbs with males typically growing larger than females. Regal tangs also make an excellent schooling fish for hobbyist with very large aquariums and can be kept in groups of 6 or more individuals. An adult regal blue tang is a flat bodied round shaped fish with a royal blue body black palette design and a yellow tail.
