{"product_id":"atlantic-blue-tang-tsa","title":"Atlantic Blue Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Blue Tang, \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus coeruleus\u003c\/em\u003e, is a striking saltwater fish prized for both its vivid coloration and constant grazing behavior. Juveniles are typically bright yellow with blue accents, gradually transforming as they mature into a rich blue to blue-violet adult coloration with fine horizontal markings and a contrasting yellow caudal spine. This dramatic color transition makes the species especially appealing in large reef aquariums and fish-only displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, including the Caribbean, Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, and waters extending south toward Brazil, this marine aquarium fish naturally inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass habitats. It spends much of the daylight hours swimming actively and grazing algae from hard surfaces. In captivity, its combination of bold color, active movement, and useful herbivorous feeding behavior makes it an excellent centerpiece tang for a spacious, mature saltwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, Brazil, and nearby Atlantic islands\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus coeruleus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Blue Tang requires a large aquarium with substantial open swimming space. A 180-gallon or larger system is recommended to accommodate its adult size, strong swimming behavior, and territorial needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange live rock so there are caves and sheltered areas for resting while preserving long, unobstructed swimming lanes through the aquarium. Mature rockwork is particularly beneficial because this species naturally spends much of the day grazing algae and biofilm from hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement and excellent oxygenation are ideal. Efficient filtration, consistent maintenance, and stable water quality are important for long-term success. Like other surgeonfish, it should not be crowded into a heavily stocked aquarium with limited swimming territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Blue Tang is primarily herbivorous and should receive a diet centered around marine algae and other vegetable-based foods. Offer dried marine algae or nori regularly, along with spirulina-based flakes or pellets and high-quality frozen herbivore preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough algae should form the foundation of the diet, the fish will also consume foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and mixed frozen marine blends when feeding alongside other aquarium fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProviding several smaller feedings throughout the day is preferable to relying on one large meal. Keeping marine algae available regularly encourages natural grazing behavior and helps maintain good body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is generally compatible with many unrelated community fish but can become territorial toward other tangs and surgeonfish, particularly species with similar body shapes or feeding habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is usually best maintained as the only Atlantic Blue Tang in the aquarium unless the system is exceptionally large and carefully planned for multiple surgeonfish. When several tangs are kept together, abundant swimming room, multiple feeding locations, and well-defined territories become especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include appropriately sized angelfish, wrasses, clownfish, chromis, anthias, gobies, rabbitfish, and many other marine community species. Avoid housing it with fish that continually harass or outcompete it for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Blue Tang is considered reef safe and is generally an excellent choice for large reef aquariums. Its natural grazing behavior is directed primarily toward algae growing on rockwork rather than healthy corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not normally predatory toward ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, or other common reef invertebrates. As with many grazing marine fish, occasional exploratory picking can occur, particularly if the fish is inadequately fed, so a consistent algae-rich diet is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions are more important than repeatedly adjusting the aquarium to reach a particular number. Maintain strong biological filtration, good oxygenation, and consistent salinity and temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is an active surgeonfish requiring a 180-gallon or larger aquarium with substantial open swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTang aggression:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults may become territorial toward other tangs, surgeonfish, and similarly shaped competitors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent grazing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide marine algae regularly and maintain mature rockwork that allows natural grazing throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisease susceptibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like many surgeonfish, it can be susceptible to common marine parasites, making careful quarantine, nutrition, and stable water quality especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharp caudal spine:\u003c\/strong\u003e A defensive surgeonfish spine is located on each side of the tail base and can cause injury. Use appropriate care when capturing, transferring, or handling the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52554839064874,"sku":"TANGxAtlanticS","price":92.24,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52554839097642,"sku":"TANGxAtlanticSM","price":146.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52554839130410,"sku":"TANGxAtlanticM","price":194.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52554839163178,"sku":"TANGxAtlanticML","price":251.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52554839195946,"sku":"TANGxAtlanticL","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52554839228714,"sku":"TANGxAtlanticX","price":419.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52554839261482,"sku":"TANGxAtlanticXX","price":491.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-atlantic-blue-tang-1257022482_7513b264-f9c5-4be3-9568-4bbaf3a5bc07.png?v=1788978122","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/atlantic-blue-tang-tsa","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}