{"product_id":"blue-hippo-tang-captive-bred","title":"Blue Hippo Tang - Captive Bred","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Captive-Bred Blue Hippo Tang, \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e, is one of the most recognizable saltwater fish, displaying an intense royal-blue body marked by a sweeping black palette-shaped pattern and a bright yellow caudal fin. Its bold coloration, active swimming behavior, and distinctive compressed body shape create an unmistakable presence in large reef aquariums and fish-only marine displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptive-bred specimens are produced through marine aquaculture rather than collected directly from wild reefs. The species itself is native throughout the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa eastward into the central Pacific, where it inhabits clear, current-swept seaward reefs and frequently swims above coral-rich habitats. Although captive-bred individuals begin life in controlled aquarium conditions, they retain the same substantial adult size and long-term swimming requirements as wild \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e.\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 Omnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Captive-Bred; species native to the Indo-Pacific\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Hippo Tang requires a large aquarium with extensive open swimming room. Adults can reach approximately 12 inches in length, and a 180-gallon or larger aquarium with a long swimming footprint is recommended for permanent housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange live rock to provide secure caves, overhangs, and crevices while maintaining broad, unobstructed swimming lanes. This species may retreat deeply into rockwork when startled or resting, so stable structures with appropriately sized hiding areas are valuable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, efficient filtration, and stable water quality are important. A secure aquarium cover is recommended, particularly during acclimation or when territorial interactions occur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Hippo Tang naturally consumes substantial amounts of zooplankton while also taking algae, so a varied captive diet is preferable to relying on a single type of food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, quality frozen plankton blends, finely chopped marine foods, and high-quality marine pellets. Dried marine algae or nori should also be offered regularly, along with spirulina-based foods and other preparations formulated for surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptive-bred specimens are raised in aquarium conditions and can be accustomed to prepared diets, but nutritional variety remains important throughout adulthood. Two or more smaller feedings each day work well for this active species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Hippo Tang is generally compatible with a broad range of marine community fish but should be considered semi-aggressive, particularly around other tangs and surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include clownfish, wrasses, anthias, rabbitfish, angelfish, gobies, and many other appropriately sized reef fish. Territorial disputes are more likely with other surgeonfish competing for similar swimming and feeding space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple tangs require additional aquarium volume, abundant food, and carefully planned introductions. As Blue Hippo Tangs mature, individuals that tolerated one another when small may become increasingly competitive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Hippo Tang is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. It does not normally consume healthy coral tissue and is generally compatible with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, and other common reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts active swimming behavior makes generous clearance around delicate coral structures beneficial. Stable rockwork and securely positioned coral colonies are especially important once the fish reaches adult size.\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 continually adjusting the aquarium to achieve an exact value. Maintain strong oxygenation, consistent salinity, efficient filtration, and dependable overall water quality.\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 \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e can reach approximately 12 inches and requires a 180-gallon or larger aquarium with substantial swimming length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaptive-bred origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aquacultured specimens are produced in captivity, but their eventual size and long-term space requirements are identical to those of the species as a whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParasite sensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like many surgeonfish, Blue Hippo Tangs can be susceptible to common marine parasites, making careful quarantine and stable husbandry important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVaried diet required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural feeding includes zooplankton as well as algae, so provide both quality protein-rich marine foods and regular marine algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharp caudal spine:\u003c\/strong\u003e The defensive spine near the base of the tail can cause injury, so use appropriate care during capture, transfer, and aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T","offer_id":52385067303210,"sku":"TANGxBlueT","price":125.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52385067335978,"sku":"TANGxBlueS","price":146.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52385067368746,"sku":"TANGxBlueSM","price":188.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52385067401514,"sku":"TANGxBlueM","price":233.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52385067434282,"sku":"TANGxBlueML","price":281.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (4.1-5\")","offer_id":52385067467050,"sku":"TANGxBlueL","price":314.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/blue-hippo-tang-captive-bred","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}