Powder Blue Tang

The powder blue tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is an Indian Ocean surgeonfish with a powder-blue body, a black face, a yellow dorsal fin and a white throat. It is a striking fish and a demanding one. Like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp scalpel at the base of the tail, and it is active from the moment the lights come on until they go off again.

Aquarium care

• Adults reach around 20 cm and swim more or less constantly.
• Needs a large, long, mature aquarium with strong flow and plenty of open swimming room.
• Primarily a grazing herbivore; dried marine algae or nori offered daily matters to its long-term health.
• Notably prone to marine ich and other parasites, particularly when stressed or recently moved.
• Aggressive toward other tangs, especially surgeonfish of a similar shape.
• It does not eat corals, but its temperament limits which fish can share the tank.

Suited to an experienced marine keeper with a large established system and a working quarantine tank. Best kept as the only tang in the display, with calmer stock such as clownfish, wrasses and cardinalfish. It is not a sensible choice for a small or newly cycled reef.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See more in the saltwater fish collection.