The Powder Blue Tang is a visually iconic surgeonfish, recognized by its vibrant sky-blue body, jet-black face mask, white chest, and vivid yellow dorsal fin. Native to the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, it prefers clear, shallow reef flats and lagoon environments. As a diurnal herbivore, it plays a vital role in reef ecosystems by continuously grazing on filamentous algae, helping to maintain ecological balance and promote coral health. Despite its beauty, it is known for territorial behavior and sensitivity to environmental changes.
Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)
Tank Size: Minimum 120 gallons (larger recommended for long-term health and swimming space)
Care Level: Moderate to Difficult (requires pristine water quality and plenty of swimming room)
Diet: Herbivore – primarily marine algae and seaweed (nori, spirulina, and algae-based flakes or pellets)
Aggression Level: Semi-aggressive – particularly territorial toward other tangs or similarly shaped fish