Blue Hippo Tang: Yellow Belly: Juvenile (Paracanthurus hepatus)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
• Nature Max Size: 12 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide: Blue Hippo Tang: Yellow Belly: Juvenile (Paracanthurus hepatus)

Habitat

The Blue Hippo Tang, also known as the Yellow Belly or Pacific Regal Blue Tang, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is commonly found in coral reefs and lagoons, preferring areas with rich coral growth.

Reef Safe:

The Blue Hippo Tang is considered reef safe as it generally does not bother corals or other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised when introducing it into a reef tank with delicate or small-polyped stony corals, as it may nip at their polyps.

Size:

As a juvenile, the Blue Hippo Tang can grow up to 5 inches in length. However, as an adult, it can reach a maximum size of 12 inches.

Temperament:

This species is generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish species.

Sexual Dimorphism:

There is no apparent sexual dimorphism in the Blue Hippo Tang, making it difficult to distinguish between males and females visually.

Lifespan:

In ideal conditions, the Blue Hippo Tang can live up to 10-15 years or more with proper care.

Diet in Aquariums:

Being a herbivore, the Blue Hippo Tang mainly feeds on algae and seaweed in the wild. In an aquarium, it should be provided with a varied diet including high-quality commercial herbivore pellets, frozen herbivore preparations, and fresh or dried seaweed sheets.

Variation:

Blue Tang Versus Yellow Belly Blue Tang

Both the Blue Tang and the Yellow Belly Blue Tang are species of
surgeonfish found in marine environments, particularly in coral reefs.
They are often popular choices in home aquariums due to their vibrant
colors and unique appearance. The main difference between the two lies
in their coloration:

1. Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus):
– Commonly referred to as the “Blue Tang” or “Palette Surgeonfish.”
– Known for its striking blue body and black markings.
– It has a yellow caudal fin (tail fin) and a black “palette” or
scalpel-like spine near its tail, which is a characteristic feature of
surgeonfish.
– This species gained significant popularity due to the character
“Dory” in the animated movies “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory.”

2. Yellow Belly Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus):
– Also known as the “Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang.”
– Shares similarities with the Blue Tang in terms of body shape and
overall appearance.
– The main distinction is the presence of a vibrant yellow
coloration on the lower portion of its body, particularly on its belly
and pelvic fins. This yellow coloration is what gives it the “Yellow
Belly” name.

In summary, while both the Blue Tang and the Yellow Belly Blue Tang
belong to the same genus (Paracanthurus) and share a similar overall
appearance, the key difference is the yellow coloration on the lower
part of the body in the Yellow Belly Blue Tang. This makes the Yellow
Belly Blue Tang particularly distinctive and recognizable compared to
the more uniform blue appearance of the standard Blue Tang.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

To mimic their natural habitat, it is recommended to provide plenty of live rock with ample hiding places and open swimming areas. The tank should also have strong water movement and good filtration to replicate the conditions found in a coral reef.

Captive Bred Availability:

The Blue Hippo Tang is not commonly available as a captive-bred species. Most individuals found in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals:

The Blue Hippo Tang can generally coexist with other peaceful fish species in a saltwater aquarium. However, it may become territorial towards other tangs or similar-shaped fish. As mentioned earlier, it is considered reef safe but should be observed carefully when introduced to a tank with delicate or small-polyp stony corals.

5 Tankmates:

• 1. Yellow Tang: A peaceful and similarly shaped fish that can coexist with the Blue Hippo Tang.
• 2. Royal Gramma: A colorful reef-safe fish that can add variety to the tank.
• 3. Ocellaris Clownfish: A popular and compatible choice for a Blue Hippo Tang tank.
• 4. Cleaner Shrimp: A beneficial invertebrate that can help maintain the overall health of the aquarium.
• 5. Torch Coral: A beautiful and hardy coral species that can coexist with the Blue Hippo Tang.

Other Common Names:

Pacific Regal Blue Tang, Hippo Tang, Palette Surgeonfish

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• Wide Selection: Reefs4Less.com offers a wide range of saltwater fish, corals, and invertebrates to choose from, including the Blue Hippo Tang: Yellow Belly: Juvenile.
• Quality Assurance: They ensure that all livestock is healthy, properly acclimated, and free from diseases before shipping.
• Affordable Prices: Reefs4Less.com offers competitive prices to make saltwater aquarium keeping accessible to all enthusiasts.
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Popular Questions and Answers:

1. What is the ideal tank size for a Blue Hippo Tang: Yellow Belly: Juvenile?

The minimum recommended tank size for a Blue Hippo Tang: Yellow Belly: Juvenile is 75 gallons. This provides enough space for swimming and allows for the growth of beneficial algae for grazing.

2. Can the Blue Hippo Tang be kept with aggressive fish?

The Blue Hippo Tang is generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish species. However, caution should be exercised when introducing it to tanks with aggressive or similarly-shaped fish that may challenge its territory.

3. How often should I feed my Blue Hippo Tang?

It is recommended to feed the Blue Hippo Tang small amounts multiple times a day to mimic its natural grazing behavior. Offer a varied diet consisting of herbivore pellets, frozen preparations, and seaweed sheets.

4. Can the Blue Hippo Tang be kept in a reef tank?

Yes, the Blue Hippo Tang is considered reef safe. However, it may nip at delicate or small-polyped stony corals, so caution should be exercised when introducing it to a reef tank.

5. How long do Blue Hippo Tangs typically live?

With proper care and ideal conditions, Blue Hippo Tangs can live up to 10-15 years or more in a well-maintained saltwater aquarium.