The Powder Blue Tang is a visually stunning saltwater fish, instantly recognizable by its sky-blue body, bold black face mask, and vibrant yellow dorsal fin. Active and energetic, this tang makes a dazzling centerpiece in large reef or fish-only systems but requires stable water quality and ample swimming space.

Description:

Common Name: Powder Blue Tang

Scientific Name: Acanthurus leucosternon

Family: Acanthuridae

Size: Up to 9 inches (23 cm)

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Reef Safe: Yes

Native Region:

Native to the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and East African coasts, the Powder Blue Tang inhabits coral-rich lagoons and seaward reef slopes.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 125 gallons

Temperature: 74-80F (23-27C)

pH: 8.0-8.4

Salinity: 1.023-1.025

Substrate: Live rock with plenty of open swimming space and hiding areas.

Additional Tips:

Swimming Behavior: Very active and needs long stretches of open water to swim comfortably.

Compatibility: Can be aggressive toward other tangs or similar-shaped fish; best kept singly unless tank is very large.

Diet: Primarily herbivorous; feed a varied diet of marine algae, seaweed sheets, spirulina, and high-quality herbivore pellets.

Disease Sensitivity: Prone to marine ich and stress-related illnessesquarantine and stable water conditions are strongly recommended.