{"product_id":"yellow-belly-hippo-tang","title":"Blue Hippo Tang - Yellow Belly","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eYellow Belly Hippo Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e is a color variant of the Blue Hippo Tang, \u003cem\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e. A yellow wash covers the lower body and belly, contrasting with deep blue flanks and black palette markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, it inhabits seaward reefs and lagoons, often forming loose groups above branching corals and darting into cover when threatened. In an aquarium, it needs open swimming water, stable conditions, and rockwork for retreat. It can be kept in established reef or spacious fish-only 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 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-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\u003eParacanthurus hepatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a long, unobstructed footprint that prioritizes horizontal swimming distance over height. It swims constantly, and cramped or narrow quarters can lead to stress and pacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse strong water movement, high oxygenation, and excellent filtration. Arrange live rock with caves, clear sightlines, and multiple escape routes. A mature system with low nitrate and stable water quality is important. Use a tight-fitting lid because tangs may startle and jump when stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tang grazes almost continuously on benthic and marine algae in the wild. Offer algae sheets or nori regularly, clipped to the glass or rockwork, with spirulina-based flakes or pellets as a staple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd mysis and brine shrimp a few times each week. Feed small portions two to four times daily instead of one large meal to support steady grazing and reduce underfeeding stress. Regular plant matter supports digestion and color and may help prevent head and lateral line erosion when paired with good water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggression is directed mainly toward its own kind and similarly shaped surgeonfish. With enough room, it generally coexists with dissimilar fish, including clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and many dwarf angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep one per aquarium unless the system can support multiple tangs selected and introduced carefully. Add it before more established or assertive tangs, and use rockwork to break up sightlines. Crowding and poor introduction order can lead to bullying and fin damage. Avoid aggressive triggers, large predatory fish, and tankmates that prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt does not typically threaten corals or sessile invertebrates, concentrating its grazing on algae. It can also coexist with ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs, and other common reef inhabitants without notable predatory behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatibility concerns are mainly with other fish, particularly similarly shaped tankmates that may trigger territorial behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–78°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\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 size and swimming space:\u003c\/strong\u003e It reaches approximately 10 inches and remains an active swimmer, so a long footprint and generous open water are as important as total volume.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisease sensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hippo Tangs are notably prone to marine ich and velvet. Quarantine for 4 to 6 weeks before adding one to the display tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJumping risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e It may startle and jump when stressed, so keep the aquarium covered with a tight-fitting lid.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTerritorial behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggression is most likely toward other surgeonfish, especially similarly shaped or blue-bodied tangs. Manage it with ample space and careful introduction order.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNutrition and HLLE prevention:\u003c\/strong\u003e A varied diet rich in algae, together with excellent water quality, helps prevent head and lateral line erosion in poorly fed or stressed fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T","offer_id":52384888783146,"sku":"TANGxHippoYT","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52384888815914,"sku":"TANGxHippoYS","price":92.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52384888848682,"sku":"TANGxHippoYSM","price":161.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52384888881450,"sku":"TANGxHippoYM","price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52384888914218,"sku":"TANGxHippoYML","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52384888946986,"sku":"TANGxHippoYL","price":318.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52384888979754,"sku":"FTABL720AA-7","price":599.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52384889012522,"sku":"FTABL720AA-8","price":685.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52384889045290,"sku":"FTABL720AA-9","price":881.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/YellowHippo_b5686fcd-67cd-4e35-83e1-e498acae2c95.png?v=1787768578","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/yellow-belly-hippo-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}