{"product_id":"hybrid-powder-blue","title":"Hybrid Powder Blue Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Powder Blue Tang combines the powder-blue base and black facial mask of its two closely related surgeonfish parents. Individual specimens vary in shading, fin edging, and body proportion, so markings and overall appearance will differ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe parent species inhabit clear lagoons and outer reef slopes across the Indo-Pacific, grazing on filamentous algae across rock and rubble. The hybrid shares their active swimming and grazing behavior, covering long stretches of rockwork throughout the day. In a large, mature system, it can help control algae and may be kept in either a fish-only aquarium or an established reef.\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 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus leucosternon × Acanthurus nigricans\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large aquarium with a wide footprint and long, uninterrupted swimming lanes. Arrange rockwork into broad channels and open areas, with caves and overhangs available for cover. Mature live rock with established algae growth supports regular grazing and may help the tang settle in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong, well-oxygenated water movement is essential for this active swimmer, which may struggle in stagnant conditions. Use a tight-fitting lid because surgeonfish can jump when startled, particularly during early acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tang naturally grazes throughout the day, picking filamentous algae and associated microfauna from rock and rubble. Base its aquarium diet on dried nori, marine algae sheets, and spirulina-based foods. Offer algae on a clip to allow repeated foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplement with mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp without displacing the plant-based foundation. Feed small portions two to four times daily to support metabolism, body condition, and coloration while reducing grazing-related stress. When several fish compete for food, place algae clips in multiple locations to ensure adequate access and reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggression is directed mainly toward other tangs and similarly shaped surgeonfish, especially when swimming space is limited. It is generally more tolerant of unrelated species and can live with gobies, wrasses, cardinalfish, clownfish, anthias, and many reef-safe angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep it singly unless the aquarium can support carefully managed multiples. Avoid other tangs and boisterous fish with similar activity levels unless the system is large and introductions are staged carefully. Open swimming lanes, visual barriers, and multiple feeding stations can reduce chasing, territorial standoffs, and food competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Powder Blue Tang is reef safe and generally leaves corals, clams, and sessile invertebrates undisturbed. Its feeding behavior is focused on algae instead of coral tissue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn underfed or stressed individual may occasionally nip at fleshy-polyped corals. Consistent access to nori, spirulina, and marine algae sheets helps reduce the risk to delicate reef inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.023–1.026\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\u003eKeep these parameters stable and avoid rapid changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult swimming space:\u003c\/strong\u003e It reaches a substantial adult size and remains active throughout its life, so long, open swimming lanes are essential.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTang aggression:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expect territorial behavior toward tangs and similarly shaped surgeonfish, particularly when space is limited.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater quality sensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is prone to stress-related illnesses such as marine ich and velvet, making strong filtration and stable conditions critical during acclimation and long-term care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuarantine:\u003c\/strong\u003e A dedicated quarantine period can identify parasitic or bacterial problems early, when treatment is most effective.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlgae-based diet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regular access to algae-based foods supports coloration, digestion, and immune health while helping prevent head and lateral line erosion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52341672575274,"sku":"TANGxHybridBluS","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52341672608042,"sku":"TANGxHybridBluSM","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52341672640810,"sku":"TANGxHybridBluM","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52341672673578,"sku":"TANGxHybridBluML","price":269.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52341672706346,"sku":"TANGxHybridBluL","price":359.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52341672739114,"sku":"TANGxHybridBluXL","price":479.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/HybridBlue_69a376fa-39e3-4358-88ea-39720ffde1fb.png?v=1787689021","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/hybrid-powder-blue","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}