{"product_id":"african-blue-tang","title":"African Blue Tang","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAfrican Blue Tang\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Blue Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e (Paracanthurus hepatus), perhaps better known as the \u003cstrong\u003eBlue Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e, or, if we must, \u003cstrong\u003eDory\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most popular and recognizable marine aquarium fish in the world. This vibrant surgeonfish is admired for its striking, deep blue body, black palette-shaped markings, and yellow tail. A healthy African Blue Tang is a fast, active swimmer, making it a spectacular focal point for a large marine display tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Blue Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e is generally peaceful towards most tankmates but can be territorial toward other tangs, particularly those of similar shape or color. Like all surgeonfish, it possesses a sharp, scalpel-like spine near its tail, which is used for defense and territorial disputes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e As a surgeonfish, this fish is primarily an Herbivore that grazes continuously on algae in the wild. A captive diet must be rich in vegetable matter, including dried seaweed (nori) and high-quality vegetable flakes or pellets. While they will accept meaty foods like brine shrimp, these should be offered sparingly as supplements only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer dried marine seaweed (nori) attached to a clip in the aquarium multiple times per week. The majority of their diet should be plant-based to support digestive health and boost their immune system against common diseases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is considered Reef Safe. The \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Blue Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent addition to a reef tank, where its constant grazing helps control nuisance algae growth without harming corals. Caution should be exercised with very small or delicate sessile invertebrates, but overall they are a great reef resident.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is Semi-Aggressive \/ Active. While peaceful towards other fish species, it can be aggressive toward its own kind or other blue-colored tangs. If housing a group, it is best to introduce a few small juveniles simultaneously into a very large tank to help distribute aggression.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is highly susceptible to Marine Ich and other parasitic infections, especially when stressed. Maintaining pristine water quality, a stable temperature, and a diet rich in vitamins (such as soaking food in a vitamin supplement like Selcon) is critical for long-term health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paracanthurus hepatus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e African Blue Tang\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Dory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific (Widespread)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-Aggressive \/ Active\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore (Primarily algae and seaweed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180+ Gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reef Safe (Excellent for algae control)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SLA","offers":[{"title":"Tiny (1.5-2\")","offer_id":51384606294315,"sku":"21242","price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (2-2.75\")","offer_id":51384606327083,"sku":"21243","price":169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (2.75-3.5\")","offer_id":31113434252,"sku":"21244","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (3.5-4\")","offer_id":51384606359851,"sku":"21245","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/1330\/files\/African-Yellow-Belly-Blue-Tang.webp?v=1760385035","url":"https:\/\/aquariumfish.com\/products\/african-blue-tang","provider":"AquariumFish.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}