{"product_id":"powder-blue-tang-sdc","title":"Powder Blue Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Powder Blue Tang is an exceptionally colorful saltwater fish recognized by its powder-blue body, dramatic black facial mask, bright yellow dorsal fin, white chest, and contrasting pale tail. \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus leucosternon\u003c\/em\u003e has the sleek, laterally compressed profile of a classic surgeonfish and remains in near-constant motion, creating a striking centerpiece in a spacious marine aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative primarily to the tropical Indian Ocean, this species inhabits clear, shallow coral reefs, reef flats, and upper seaward slopes from eastern Africa eastward toward the Andaman Sea, southwest Indonesia, Christmas Island, and Bali. In the wild, adults spend much of their day grazing benthic algae from reef surfaces and may occur either singly or in feeding aggregations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts intense coloration and active personality make it highly desirable for both reef aquariums and large fish-only aquariums, but the Powder Blue Tang requires more attentive husbandry than many marine fish. It needs excellent water quality, strong oxygenation, abundant swimming space, consistent algae-based nutrition, and carefully selected tankmates. It can also be highly territorial toward other tangs.\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 Indian Ocean – Eastern Africa to the Andaman Sea, southwest Indonesia, Christmas Island, and Bali\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus leucosternon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large, mature saltwater aquarium with extensive horizontal swimming room. The aquascape should combine open water with substantial live rock arranged into caves, arches, and sheltered areas where the fish can retreat when resting or stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished rockwork is particularly valuable because it provides natural surfaces for grazing throughout the day. Avoid creating an overly dense aquascape that restricts swimming lanes, as this is an energetic surgeonfish that benefits from being able to cruise freely across the length of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong, varied water movement, excellent biological filtration, and high dissolved oxygen are important. Stable water quality is especially valuable with this species, which can respond poorly to transport stress or sudden changes in aquarium conditions. A secure lid is recommended during acclimation and whenever startled fish could potentially jump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Powder Blue Tang is primarily herbivorous, feeding naturally on benthic algae and small algal growths across reef surfaces. Captive specimens should receive a diet centered on marine-based vegetable foods rather than relying solely on standard community fish foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried nori or other marine algae sheets daily, along with spirulina-based pellets, quality herbivore pellets, and frozen preparations formulated for marine grazers. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and mixed frozen marine foods can be offered as supplemental nutrition, since naturally grazed material may also contain small invertebrates and other protein sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller feedings throughout the day are preferable when practical. Regular access to algae sheets and mature rockwork helps support natural grazing behavior and maintain good body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Powder Blue Tang should be considered semi-aggressive, with aggression directed particularly toward other tangs and surgeonfish. Established individuals can become strongly territorial and may repeatedly chase fish with similar body shapes, colors, or feeding habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping a single Powder Blue Tang is the safest approach for most aquariums. Mixing it with other tangs is best reserved for substantially larger systems with multiple territories, abundant swimming room, and several feeding stations. Careful introduction order can also make a significant difference when maintaining multiple surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith unrelated species, it is generally much more manageable and can coexist successfully with many wrasses, clownfish, anthias, gobies, larger peaceful community fish, and moderately assertive reef species. Avoid tankmates that continually harass it or prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Powder Blue Tang is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and does not normally consume healthy corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, or other common reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural tendency to graze algae makes it especially attractive for established reef aquariums, although it should not be purchased solely as an algae-control animal. Supplemental feeding remains essential even when natural algae is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it spends considerable time picking at rock surfaces, occasional investigation around coral bases is normal and should not be confused with deliberate coral predation.\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\u003ePrioritize stability over repeatedly adjusting the aquarium to reach exact numbers. Consistent salinity and temperature, excellent oxygenation, strong circulation, and dependable filtration are particularly important for this active surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires substantial open swimming room and is best maintained in a large, mature aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan be intensely territorial toward other tangs and similarly shaped surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits from daily marine algae and frequent vegetable-rich feeding rather than occasional supplementation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan be sensitive to shipping stress and is notably susceptible to external parasite outbreaks when stressed, making careful acclimation and quarantine practices valuable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other surgeonfish, it possesses a sharp caudal spine near the base of the tail and should be handled carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SDC","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52340423557418,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueSSDC","price":80.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52340423590186,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueSMSDC","price":107.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52340423622954,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueMSDC","price":161.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52340423655722,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueMLSDC","price":161.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52340423688490,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueLSDC","price":188.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52340423721258,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueXSDC","price":242.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52340423754026,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueXXSDC","price":350.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52340423786794,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueSHSDC","price":483.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"JUMBO","offer_id":52340423819562,"sku":"TANGxPowBlueJUMSDC","price":529.19,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-powder-blue-tang-1257022507_0c006c67-f0ee-4e86-b15b-a64b96d0c59e.png?v=1789410393","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/powder-blue-tang-sdc","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}