This is a new series of informative threads conceived by Dave (see http://www.reefcentral.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/000525.html). It is designed to give information about a different fish each week. The information given will be a combination of the "technical" side from research sources and the "real world" side from reefer's actual experiences.
Paracanthurus hepatus aka regal tang, pacific blue, blue
One of the surgeonfishes (tangs), the p. hepatus has long been a favorite of reef keepers. It is a beautiful fish, with bright blue and yellow markings. The hepatus acclimates very well to aquarium foods, and will accept frozen brine, mysis, plankton, as well as flaked foods. It also benefits from dried algae being made available for grazing.
Tangs (the hepatus included) are succeptible to skin diseases and parasites (such as ich). Also, head and lateral line erosion is not uncommon among tangs.
The hepatus is considered reef safe, and usually gets along well with tank mates, with the possible exception of closely related fish. Juveniles will normally school together, but adults may fight if they are not given ample room to spread out.
The hepatus tang can reach 12 inches in length, and a full-grown adult should have a large tank, since they are active swimmers. They also love to hide, so to minimize stress they should never be kept in a barren tank. They also frequently will wedge themselves tightly in the rockwork, seemingly stuck, only to pop out when they are ready.
Paracanthurus hepatus aka regal tang, pacific blue, blue
One of the surgeonfishes (tangs), the p. hepatus has long been a favorite of reef keepers. It is a beautiful fish, with bright blue and yellow markings. The hepatus acclimates very well to aquarium foods, and will accept frozen brine, mysis, plankton, as well as flaked foods. It also benefits from dried algae being made available for grazing.
Tangs (the hepatus included) are succeptible to skin diseases and parasites (such as ich). Also, head and lateral line erosion is not uncommon among tangs.
The hepatus is considered reef safe, and usually gets along well with tank mates, with the possible exception of closely related fish. Juveniles will normally school together, but adults may fight if they are not given ample room to spread out.
The hepatus tang can reach 12 inches in length, and a full-grown adult should have a large tank, since they are active swimmers. They also love to hide, so to minimize stress they should never be kept in a barren tank. They also frequently will wedge themselves tightly in the rockwork, seemingly stuck, only to pop out when they are ready.