Blue Hippo Tang Paracanthurus hepatus with brilliant royal blue body, bold black markings and bright yellow tail
Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) native range map highlighting its Indo-Pacific distribution in orange, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and western and central Pacific island regions.
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SKU: WC S2333

Blue Hippo Tang – Paracanthurus hepatus

$129.99
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Size: Approx. 2 inches
The Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) is a striking Indo-Pacific surgeonfish recognized by its brilliant royal-blue body, bold black markings and bright yellow tail. An active, reef-compatible species, it requires ample swimming room and can reach approximately 12 inches. Product Tags
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All of our conditioned saltwater fish undergo professional observation, quarantine, and proactive treatment protocols to help ensure healthy, stable specimens for long-term reef aquarium success. 
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Description and Care

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) is one of the most recognizable surgeonfish of the Indo-Pacific. Its brilliant royal-blue body is marked by a sweeping black pattern across the upper body and sides, while the bright yellow tail provides a striking contrast. FishBase describes the species' characteristic coloration as bright blue and black with a yellow caudal fin edged in black. FishBase

Also known as the Blue Tang, Palette Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, and Indo-Pacific Blue Tang, Paracanthurus hepatus has an extensive natural distribution. Its range extends from East Africa and the Mascarene Islands eastward to Kiribati, north to southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia and Samoa. FishBase

In nature, Blue Hippo Tangs inhabit clear, current-swept areas of seaward reefs. They may swim in loose aggregations above the reef, while juveniles and subadults are frequently associated with branching coral heads that provide shelter when threatened. FishBase records the species at depths of approximately 2–40 meters. FishBase

An interesting aspect of the species' feeding ecology is that it should not be thought of simply as an algae-eating tang. FishBase documents P. hepatus feeding on zooplankton as well as algae, making a varied aquarium diet especially appropriate. FishBase

Blue Hippo Tangs can become substantial fish. FishBase records a maximum total length of 31 cm, approximately 12.2 inches, so adequate swimming room should be planned for the fish's adult size rather than its size when purchased. FishBase

This specimen is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Common Name: Blue Hippo Tang
Other Common Names: Blue Tang, Palette Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Indo-Pacific Blue Tang
Family: Acanthuridae
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Generally peaceful to semi-aggressive; may show territorial behavior toward other tangs
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 125 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 12.2 inches (31 cm total length) FishBase
Diet: Omnivore — zooplankton and algae are documented natural foods FishBase
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide a spacious, established marine aquarium with extensive open swimming room combined with rockwork and sheltered areas. Blue Hippo Tangs are active swimmers, and their potential adult size should be considered when choosing an aquarium.

Diet and Feeding: Offer a varied diet rather than treating this species exclusively as an herbivore. FishBase documents feeding on zooplankton and algae in nature. FishBase Appropriate aquarium foods can include marine algae, spirulina-based preparations, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, quality marine pellets and other nutritionally balanced foods.

Temperament: Blue Hippo Tangs are generally suitable for community marine aquariums but can become territorial with other surgeonfish. Ample swimming space and carefully planned introductions become increasingly important as the fish matures.

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible. The Blue Hippo Tang is well suited to established coral reef aquariums when sufficient swimming space is available.

Natural Habitat: Paracanthurus hepatus occurs on clear, current-swept seaward reef terraces. Juveniles and subadults may shelter closely among branching corals when threatened. FishBase

Surgeonfish Spine: Like other surgeonfishes, P. hepatus possesses a sharp defensive spine on each side of the caudal peduncle near the base of the tail. FishBase also reports glandular tissue associated with this structure. The fish should therefore be handled carefully and preferably without direct hand contact. FishBase


The Pacific East Conditioning System

Every fish undergoes observation, conditioning
and proactive treatment before release

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New arrivals are acclimated,
and inspected

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We proactively treat fish during conditioning rather than simply holding them

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Fish are closely monitored for feeding response, behavior and overall health.

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Fish are transitioned onto prepared foods and conditioned for aquarium life.

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Arrival and release dates help verify proper holding and conditioning time

"A properly conditioned fish adapts better, feeds more consistently, and has a stronger transition into aquarium life" - Dr. Mac

Every Fish is Evaluated to Ensure it Meets Our Health and Quality Standards

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Common Marine External Parasitical Diseases

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Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

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Marine Velvet

A parasitic dinoflagellate that infects marine fish and
can progress rapidly if not treated early.

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Brooklynella

A ciliated protozoan that infects the gills andskin of marine fish

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Flukes

Parasitic flatworms that affect gills and skin

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Show image
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Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

Show image
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Show image
saltwater-fish-disease-ich-pea-6

Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

Show image
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Order FAQs  

About Our Facility

Q: Are your corals aquacultured?
A: Yes. Many of our corals are grown in our Maryland Certified & Licensed Coral Aquaculture Facility.

Q: Why choose aquacultured corals?
A: Aquacultured corals are:
- More sustainable
- Better adapted to aquarium life
- Typically hardier than wild specimens

Q: Who selects and grows your corals?
A: Our corals are grown and curated by Dr. Mac a Board Certified Veterinary Pathologist with decades of hands-on reef experience.

Ordering & Shipping

Q: What does WYSIWYG mean?
A: “What You See Is What You Get.” The exact coral shown in the photo is the one you will receive.

Q: Can I request a specific color or variation?
A: For WYSIWYG items, what’s pictured is what you get. For non-WYSIWYG items, we do our best to match color and size, but natural variation occurs.

Q: Can I combine multiple orders to save on shipping?
A: Yes—contact us before shipping and we’ll consolidate when possible.

Q: How are corals and fish shipped safely?
A: We use insulated boxes, temperature control (heat/cold packs), and overnight delivery to ensure safe arrival.

Q: What days do you ship?
A: Typically Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.

Q: Do I need to be home for delivery?
A: Yes—someone should be available to receive livestock immediately.

Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.

Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.

Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.

Acclimation & First 24 Hours

Q: How do I acclimate new livestock?
A: Float to match temperature, then drip acclimate before placing in tank.

Q: Should I dip corals before adding them?
A: Yes but be careful, coral dips help prevent pests but use caution. Certain corals might benefit from a short quarantine period instead of a dip so as to further stressing them.

Q: Why does my coral look closed or stressed?
A: This is normal after shipping—most corals open within 24–72 hours.

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Q: Where should I place my coral in the tank?
A: Placement depends on the coral type (LPS, SPS, soft). Lighting and flow requirements vary—check each product description.

Q: Can different corals touch each other?
A: Many corals have sweeper tentacles and can sting neighbors. Always allow space.

Q: How fast will my coral grow?
A: Growth depends on species, lighting, water quality, and feeding.

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