Blue Hippo Tang

Blue Hippo Tang Care: A Colorful Favorite for Reef Aquariums

The Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) is one of the most recognizable saltwater fish in the hobby. With its electric blue body, bold black pattern, and bright yellow tail, this active swimmer can quickly become the star of your display tank—if you can meet its care needs.

Blue Hippo Tang Basics

Before bringing home a Blue Hippo Tang, it’s important to understand its natural behavior and space requirements.

  • Scientific name: Paracanthurus hepatus
  • Common names: Blue Hippo Tang, Regal Tang, Pacific Blue Tang
  • Adult size: 8–10 inches in captivity
  • Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with other tangs
  • Minimum tank size: 120 gallons+ recommended

This species is an open-water swimmer that appreciates long stretches of rockwork and plenty of room to cruise. A cramped tank often leads to stress, aggression, and disease.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

The Blue Hippo Tang thrives in stable, clean reef conditions. Consistency is more important than chasing perfect numbers.

  • Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: < 20 ppm (lower is better for sensitive species)

Provide strong, varied flow and high-quality filtration to manage the heavy bioload of an active, constantly grazing fish. A mature tank with established rockwork is best; avoid adding a Blue Hippo Tang to a new system.

Tip: Quarantine new fish when possible. Blue Hippo Tangs are notorious for showing signs of marine ich when stressed.

Diet, Health, and Compatibility

In the wild, the Blue Hippo Tang spends most of its day grazing on algae and other plant material. In the home aquarium, a varied diet is essential for long-term health and color.

  • Offer dried nori (seaweed) on a clip daily
  • Rotate high-quality herbivore pellets and frozen foods
  • Supplement with spirulina- and algae-based formulas
  • Feed small portions 2–3 times per day instead of one large meal

While generally peaceful, this tang can be defensive toward other similarly shaped tangs, especially in smaller systems. It usually coexists well with clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and many reef-safe invertebrates.

For more stocking ideas, see our guide on reef-safe fish and our overview of saltwater tank setup for beginners. If you’re planning a mixed reef, you can also explore our beginner corals to complement a Blue Hippo Tang centerpiece.

Blue Hippo Tang Care Tips

  • Choose the largest tank your space and budget allow
  • Introduce this tang later in your stocking order to reduce aggression
  • Provide multiple hiding spots to reduce stress
  • Maintain a consistent maintenance schedule for water changes and testing
  • Observe daily for signs of scratching, rapid breathing, or cloudy eyes

With proper space, stable water, and a nutritious diet, the Blue Hippo Tang can live for many years and become a centerpiece fish that brings movement and color to your reef aquarium.