Description

Blue Hippo Tang Fish is a species of Indo-Pacific Surgeonfish. A popular fish in marine aquaria, it is the only member of the genus Paracanthurus. A number of common names are attributed to the species including: Regal Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Blue Tang (leading to confusion with the Atlantic Blue Tang), Royal Blue Tang, Hippo Tang, Flagtail Surgeonfish, Pacific Regal Blue Tang, and Blue Surgeonfish. Paracanthurus Hepatus has a royal blue body, yellow tail, and black “palette” design. The lower body is yellow in the West-Central Indian Ocean.

Blue Hippo Tang Fish grow to 12 inches. This fish is rather flat, like a pancake, with a circular body shape, a pointed snout-like nose, and small scales. The blue tang has nine dorsal spines, 26–28 dorsal soft rays, three anal spines, and 24–26 anal soft rays.