Description
Regal Tangs, Paracanthurus hepatus, also go by the name Palette Surgeonfish. They are possibly the most recognizable of all the Tangs. Not least thanks to Dory from Finding Nemo.
These Tangs are a type of ray finned fish that belong to the Acanthuridae family. This family also includes Sawtails and Unicornfish. The defining characteristic for the Acanthuridae family, is the presence of scalpels or spines on both sides of the caudal peduncle. These are used for defence and are usually brightly coloured to act as a deterrent. For Regal Tangs, their weapons are highlighted by their bright yellow tails.
Regal Tangs also belong to the subfamily Acanthurinae. Which means these fish have one spine on each side. These spines are set into a groove and erected by curving the tail. In contrast, the other two subfamilies own fixed spines. Unicornfish, or Nasos, have one or more hooked spine, while Sawtails develop a series of spines with age. Sometimes up to seven. Sawtails are made up of the genus Prionurus only and not seen in trade.
Regal Tang, Paracanthurus hepatus, Ecology:
These fish live on coral reefs in the Indo-pacific. Their range extends from East Africa to Japan, then from the Great Barrier Reef to Samoa. As young fish, Regal Tangs live in lose groups around Pocillopora coral. The complex structure help the fish avoid predation. When threatened they will lodge themselves into a tight nook between the branches.
On the reef, Regal Tangs graze on algae and hunt zooplankton. Like many Tangs, these fish can be helpful for controlling algae growth. Left unchecked, algae could outcompete slower growing coral species for space and light. Their help can be more pronounced on shallower reefs that capture more sunlight.
Palette Surgeonfish In the Aquarium:
It is important to have plenty of nooks or crannies in order to imitate the natural environment. This will help your Regal Tang establish its own territory. Aquaroche and Aquaroche shelves can be helpful for this. Hobbyists should also think about using a jump guard to stop any loses.
Regal Tangs do best when fed a varied diet. Here they are eating a good quality pellet and flake food, such as Jbl Maris. Our Tangs are also offered ocean nutrition seaweed, that can be secured to the side of the tank with clips.
They will happily eat enriched frozen: mysis shrimp and brine shrimp and krill, in the case of the larger fish. We enrich all our frozen food with seachem garlic guard and Atvitol vitamins. These are imperative for keeping fish healthy by providing them with the nutrition otherwise lost in frozen food. In doing so, these additives support their immune systems and increase longevity. The garlic is also useful for helping to ward off white spot. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about feeding your Regal Tang.
In addition, Tangs will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Our Tangs are adapted to aquarium life before being offered for sale. So they are eating dry food and/or frozen food when they leave us.
Tangs can live alone or in groups. If considering the latter, feel free to give us a call to discuss further. Hobbyists can keep multiple tangs together, although we encourage you seek advice if you are unsure or have questions.
The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.
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