{"product_id":"blue-hippo-tang-fiji","title":"Blue Hippo Tang - Fiji","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Fiji Blue Hippo Tang, \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e, is an iconic saltwater fish recognized by its brilliant royal-blue body, sweeping black palette-shaped marking, and vivid yellow tail. Its bold coloration, deep compressed body, and energetic swimming behavior make it an unmistakable centerpiece in large reef aquariums and fish-only marine displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis offering represents \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e originating from Fiji in the South Pacific. In nature, Blue Hippo Tangs inhabit clear, current-swept reef environments, frequently swimming above coral-rich areas and retreating quickly into reef structure when threatened. Unlike many surgeonfish that are primarily algae grazers, this species naturally consumes significant amounts of zooplankton while also feeding on algae. Its striking appearance, active personality, and excellent reef compatibility make it highly desirable for appropriately sized marine aquariums.\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 Fiji, South 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 space. Adults can reach approximately 12 inches in total 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 create secure caves, overhangs, and deep crevices while maintaining broad, unobstructed swimming lanes. This species naturally retreats into coral and reef structure when frightened and often wedges itself securely into sheltered areas while resting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, and efficient filtration are ideal. Stable water quality is particularly important for long-term success with surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is recommended, especially during acclimation or periods of territorial activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Hippo Tang is an omnivore with a strong natural planktivorous component. In the wild, it feeds heavily on zooplankton while also consuming algae, so captive specimens benefit from a varied diet rather than being maintained solely as herbivores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, quality frozen plankton blends, finely chopped marine foods, and high-quality marine pellets. Dried marine algae or nori should also be provided regularly, along with spirulina-based preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller feeding opportunities throughout the day are beneficial for this active fish. Regular access to both protein-rich marine foods and algae helps support proper body condition and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Hippo Tang is generally compatible with a broad variety 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, anthias, wrasses, gobies, rabbitfish, angelfish, and many other appropriately sized reef fish. Territorial disputes are most likely with other surgeonfish competing for similar swimming and feeding space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping multiple tangs requires additional aquarium volume, abundant food, and carefully planned introductions. Individuals that coexist when young may become more competitive as they mature.\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 and adult size should be considered when arranging delicate coral colonies. Secure rockwork and provide sufficient clearance so the fish can move comfortably throughout the aquarium without repeatedly contacting coral structures.\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 an exact number. Maintain consistent temperature and salinity along with strong oxygenation, efficient filtration, and dependable 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 substantial long-term swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiji origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Fiji designation identifies the collection locality; fundamental husbandry requirements remain consistent with 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 quarantine, strong nutrition, and stable husbandry important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVaried natural diet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide both planktonic and protein-rich marine foods along with regular marine algae rather than relying exclusively on an herbivore diet.\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 care should be taken 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":52385067991338,"sku":"TANGxBlueFT","price":95.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52385068024106,"sku":"TANGxBlueFS","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52385068056874,"sku":"TANGxBlueFSM","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52385068089642,"sku":"TANGxBlueFM","price":158.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52385068122410,"sku":"TANGxBlueFML","price":221.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52385068155178,"sku":"TANGxBlueFL","price":269.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52385068187946,"sku":"TANGxBlueFX","price":314.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52385068220714,"sku":"TANGxBlueFXX","price":428.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52385068253482,"sku":"TANGxBlueFSH","price":506.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/topshelf-blue-hippo-tang-product_74a4825c-d3a6-4e30-8ecc-7cab95e0a0f1.png?v=1787770930","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/blue-hippo-tang-fiji","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}