Blue Hippo Tang - Central Pacific

Paracanthurus hepatus


(3 Reviews)


The Blue Hippo Tang, a.k.a. Regal Tang, is a beautiful blue fish with black bands and a yellow tailfin. These fish have interesting behavior and do well in groups. The Blue Hippo likes lots of rockwork to help make it feel secure. They can be kept singly or in groups. The Blue Hippo can be very timid and may wedge themselves under rocks and into caves and crevices when young or new to an aquarium. In the wild they will wedge themselves into coralheads and branching corals. They are very peaceful towards other fish and do well in a peaceful community or reef tank. This fish will often lie on its side and "play dead".The Surgeonfish family consists of fish which are colorful, thin-bodied, and usually have an oval shape. These fish have long continuous dorsal and anal fins and crescent tailfins. The scalpel at the base of their tailfin is very sharp and is used by the fish for protection from predators as well as a way of establishing itself with other fish. 
Blue Hippo Tang - Central Pacific

Blue Hippo Tang - Central Pacific

Paracanthurus hepatus


(3 Reviews)

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Care Facts

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Max Size: 12 inches


The Blue Hippo Tang, a.k.a. Regal Tang, is a beautiful blue fish with black bands and a yellow tailfin. These fish have interesting behavior and do well in groups. The Blue Hippo likes lots of rockwork to help make it feel secure. They can be kept singly or in groups. The Blue Hippo can be very timid and may wedge themselves under rocks and into caves and crevices when young or new to an aquarium. In the wild they will wedge themselves into coralheads and branching corals. They are very peaceful towards other fish and do well in a peaceful community or reef tank. This fish will often lie on its side and "play dead".The Surgeonfish family consists of fish which are colorful, thin-bodied, and usually have an oval shape. These fish have long continuous dorsal and anal fins and crescent tailfins. The scalpel at the base of their tailfin is very sharp and is used by the fish for protection from predators as well as a way of establishing itself with other fish. 

I have two 5-6" in a 125 gallon. There is some light chasing, but most of the time, they are great with each other. They ignore all other fish. Are great at eating. Give them food with algae/seaweed. I wouldn't buy tiny ones. Get at least 2-3 inches. They are great with Rabbitfish, smaller fish, invertebrates.


Reviewed by: John Atella on June 7, 2022

I received the Blue Tang in good shape with overnight shipping. The box was equipped with a heat pack and packaged very well. After acclimation the Tang settled in nicely and was eating with the other fish that afternoon. Very colorful fish that gets along with all my other fish including a Yellow Tang. I feed all of my fish Rod's frozen food. Going to try some nori seaweed next.


Reviewed by: Chris Bohn on March 16, 2018

The blue tang was a beautiful addition to our 50 gallon aquarium! I did the drip transfer as described on the website (for 2 hours instead of 4) and the fish transferred just fine. The blue tang is a little shy so as long as you have some hiding places it should be fine. We previously bought fish at a local pet store where our fish continuously died, our tank checked out fine and we did not know what the problem was. The store wet out of business recently and we have no local salt water fish stores in the area so I made the decision to purchase online. This was the best decision I have ever made!! The fish came packaged carefully and was in great shape!! It has been two weeks and the fish are still doing well!! I will order again from this site!!!


Reviewed by: Kristie on Aug. 27, 2014

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