Animal Profiles
Fish

Blue Tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The blue tang is a brightly coloured Indo-Pacific reef fish. Branching coral provides shelter, and algae form an important part of its diet.

Paracanthurus hepatus

DerHans04 · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs, especially areas with branching coral shelter.
Habitat
Coral reef
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Algae, with some plankton and other small food particles.

Classification

Common name
Blue Tang
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Paracanthurus hepatus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Perciformes
Family
Acanthuridae
Genus
Paracanthurus
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length
12 to 38 cm length range in the cited account

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • A sharp defensive spine sits near the tail.
  • Branching coral provides shelter.
  • Algae are an important food source.

Habitat and range

Tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs, especially areas with branching coral shelter.

Appearance and adaptations

A blue body carries a dark curved pattern and a yellow tail. A sharp spine near the tail base is used in defence.

Diet and behaviour

It grazes algae from reef surfaces and often associates with other fish in small groups. Coral branches provide a refuge when danger approaches.

Sources

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