Rosamond Gifford Zoo

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Hippo Tang (Blue Tang)

Paracanthurus Hepatus

Also known as the Palette Surgeonfish or Hepaus tang, the Blue Hippo Tang is vibrant blue with contrasting bold, black markings, and a bright yellow tail fin. It has a pointed snout-like nose and sharp spines at the base of the tail. The spines are equipped with a venom gland that inflicts a sting to its victims. It can grow to a length of 12-inches.

Range & Habitat

Native to the reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region, they live in small groups or pairs. 

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Widespread coral reef loss and declining habitat conditions are worrisome, and there is some concern about illegal collection for the aquarium trade.

Diet

In the Wild – Plankton and algae (juveniles primarily eat plankton).

 At the Zoo – Marine plants, zooplankton, dried algae.

Life Span

In the Wild: Up to 30 years
In Human Care: 12-14 years

Fun Facts about the Hippo Tang (Blue Tang)

  •  Dory from the "Finding Nemo" movies is a Blue Tang.
  •  Juvenile tangs are bright yellow.
  •  These fish can make themselves semi-transparent to evade predators.
  • Their coloring is a warning to predators that they are poisonous.

Sources

 Dallas Zoo. (2021). Retrieved June 2, 2021, from https://dwazoo.com/animal/blue-hippo-tang/

 

 

McIlwain, J., Choat, J.H., Abesamis, R., Clements, K.D., Myers, R., Nanola, C., Rocha, L.A., Russell, B. & Stockwell, B. 2012. Paracanthurus hepatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T177972A1507676. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T177972A1507676.enDownloaded on 03 June 2021.

 

Thurston, A. 2011. "Paracanthurus hepatus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed June 02, 2021 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Paracanthurus_hepatus/

 

Updated June 13, 2023
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