Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

This tang is continuing to do well and has grown quite a bit. It's now almost the size of my yellow tang, which was considerably larger than it a few months ago.

This tang continues to do well and is increasing in size.

An updated picture. This tang seems exceptionally prone to marine ich and always has a white spot or two. However, the cleaner shrimp seems to be keeping it under control.

A better picture. The blue hippo tang has started spending more time in the open now that I have introduced the three anthias.

This is the only picture I managed to get of the Blue Hippo Tang, as it hides whenever I approach the tank.

One of the most popular fishes in the trade, the blue hippo tang is a zooplanktivore that will occasionally consume some algae. It the home aquarium, it will eat flake foods but should also be offered meatier foods (like mysis shrimp). It is one of the more docile tangs and can usually be housed with other tangs. Adults can reach 12" in length.

When young or new to an aquarium, the blue hippo tang will often wedge itself under some rock-work and will occasionally orient itself sideways.

Unfortunately, the blue hippo tang is more susceptible to lateral line disease, ich, and other parasites than many other fish in the trade. It should be monitored carefully.

I have purchase a small (~1.5") specimen for the tank. It has taken to hiding under a particular rock and I am not able to get a good picture of it just yet.