Regal tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Hippo tang, Blue tang, Palette surgeonfish, Regal blue tang, Royal blue tang, Wedgetail blue tang, Flagtail surgeonfish, Indo-Pacific blue tang, Blue hippo tang
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes); only member of Paracanthurus
Origin
Indo-Pacific, East Africa and Sri Lanka to Japan and the Great Barrier Reef; clear outer reefs and current-swept channels at 2–40 m.
Water
saltwater
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
1000 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a large reef tank with open swimming space and rockwork with caves; it wedges itself into crevices when frightened. Neither source gives a maximum length (it matures at about 15 cm and adults weigh about 600 g), so plan for a sizeable fish. an estimated minimum of about 1000 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. Behaviour: lives in pairs or small groups of 8–14 in the wild; juveniles shelter among branching Acropora corals. The list notes it is very prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans), so quarantine carefully, and that it tolerates other tangs better than most species. Handling: the tail spines can cause deep, swollen cuts that may become infected. Move it in a container. It has no confirmed venom. Trade and status: one of the most popular marine fish (about 8th most traded worldwide); most are wild-caught, usually as juveniles. It was first captive-bred in 2016, and conservationists urge a move to aquaculture, so choose captive-bred fish where you can. IUCN: Least Concern, with an unknown population trend; threats include collection for the trade, destructive fishing and habitat loss. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracanthurushepatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Juveniles eat mainly plankton; adults are omnivores taking zooplankton and grazing filamentous algae. In the aquarium give a varied diet of mysis, krill and other meaty foods plus nori and spirulina-based foods, several times a day.

Breeding

Spawns year-round in the wild (peak April–September), mainly late afternoon and evening. Eggs float (about 0.8 mm) and hatch within about 24 hours; larvae live on yolk for 2–3 days and get no parental care. Maturity is reached at 9–12 months. Captive breeding was first achieved commercially in 2016, but it is not practical in a home aquarium.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. More tolerant of other tangs than most species (per the list), though still best added to a tank big enough for several. Peaceful with most community fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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