Powder Blue Tang

The Powder Blue Tang, Acanthurus leucosternon and also known as the Powder Blue Surgeonfish, has an oval body shape with extremely colorful, bold markings. It is prized for its vivid colors and bold markings, with several varying shades of blue accented by yellow and white. Bright yellow highlights the dorsal and pectoral fins, and striking blue-black markings outline the face and tail. Powder Blue Tang has a scalpel at the base of their tailfin which is very sharp and is used by the fish for protection from predators as well as a way of establishing itself with other saltwater fish.

Powder Blue in Aquarium

Scientific Name: Acanthurus leucosternon
Family: Acanthuridae
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Care Level: Moderate to Expert
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Temperature : 72-78° F
pH: 8.1-8.4
Specific Gravity : 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 16 inches in the wild, aquarium specimens up to 10 inches
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Indian Ocean to Indonesia in the Pacific
Coral Safe : Yes
Invertebrate Safe : Yes

The Powder Blue Tang is a fast-swimming vigorous fish that needs plenty of room so it would be recommended to keep in aquariums of 90 gallons or more with hiding places like live rock. Powder Blue Tang is susceptible to an inch or white spot magnet and therefore proper acclimation and quarantine should be done in order to minimize this.

The Powder Blue Tang is very sensitive to organic chemicals, such as nitrates, ammonia, and nitrite. We also suggest you to keep the levels of these chemicals very low in the aquarium having this fish. This Tang needs highly oxygenated water and They will also appreciate high water flow throughout the aquarium and they need a large tank to allow for large swimming lanes.

Powder Blue Tang is a very difficult fish to keep in the aquarium and we strongly urge you to research this fish fully before acquiring one. We would recommend this fish only to advanced saltwater hobbyists with a large tank that is well established and stocked with plenty of live rock, high aeration and, high water flows. Although this Tang fish will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health.