{"product_id":"blue-hippo-tang-tank-raised","title":"Blue Hippo Tang - Tank Raised","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tank-Raised Blue Hippo Tang, \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e, is one of the most recognizable saltwater fish in the marine aquarium hobby. Its brilliant royal-blue body is marked by a bold black palette-shaped pattern and contrasted by a bright yellow tail, creating a vivid appearance that stands out beautifully in both reef aquariums and fish-only marine displays. Its deep, laterally compressed body and constant cruising behavior add substantial movement to larger aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank-raised specimens have been reared in managed aquarium conditions prior to sale, offering aquarists fish already accustomed to a controlled environment. The species itself is native throughout the Indo-Pacific, where it occurs on clear, current-swept seaward reefs and is frequently found swimming above coral-rich habitats. Blue Hippo Tangs are active marine aquarium fish that require significant swimming space as adults, and their combination of bold coloration, reef compatibility, and engaging behavior makes them a highly desirable centerpiece for appropriately sized systems.\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 Tank-Raised; 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 total length, and a 180-gallon or larger system with a long swimming footprint is recommended for permanent housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange rockwork to create secure caves, overhangs, and deep crevices while preserving broad, unobstructed swimming lanes. Blue Hippo Tangs naturally seek shelter among reef structure when frightened or resting, so stable rockwork with appropriately sized hiding areas is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, and efficient filtration are recommended. This active species performs best in a mature, stable aquarium with consistent temperature, salinity, and overall water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is advisable, particularly during acclimation or when the fish is startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Hippo Tang naturally feeds heavily on zooplankton while also consuming algae, making a varied captive diet particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepod and plankton-based frozen foods, quality marine blends, and appropriately sized marine pellets. Dried marine algae or nori should also be provided regularly, along with spirulina-based foods and other preparations formulated for surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank-raised specimens may already be familiar with prepared aquarium foods, but nutritional variety remains essential. Two or more smaller feedings per day are recommended, with additional algae available regularly.\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, anthias, wrasses, gobies, rabbitfish, angelfish, and many other appropriately sized marine species. Territorial behavior is most likely toward other surgeonfish competing for similar swimming and feeding areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple tangs require considerably more aquarium space, abundant food, and carefully planned introductions. Fish that coexist peacefully while young may become increasingly 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 eventual adult size should be considered when arranging delicate coral colonies. Secure rockwork and provide sufficient clearance so the fish can move freely throughout the aquarium.\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 value. 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\u003eTank-raised designation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tank-raised fish have been reared under managed conditions; this designation should not automatically be interpreted as captive-bred unless captive spawning is specifically documented.\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 feeding requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide both quality planktonic and protein-rich foods along with 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 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":52385067729194,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrT","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52385067761962,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52385067794730,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrSM","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52385067827498,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrM","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52385067860266,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrML","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52385067893034,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrL","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52385067925802,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrX","price":314.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52385067958570,"sku":"TANGxBlueTrXX","price":428.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/HippoTang3_73670114-737b-44df-9c88-b22ce675096a.png?v=1787770086","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/blue-hippo-tang-tank-raised","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}