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Powder Blue Tang

Acanthurus leucosternon

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiAcanthuridae

📍 Indian Ocean Reefs, Maldives to Andaman Sea

Ask Finn

One of the most beautiful tangs with a powder-blue body, yellow dorsal fin and black mask. Prone to ich and disease — best for experienced reef keepers.

Size9"
Min Tank100g
semi-aggressive
Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Powder Blue Tangs are herbivores that require a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter. Feed high-quality herbivore pellets, nori sheets, and spirulina-based foods once daily, supplemented with occasional frozen mysis shrimp or brine shrimp for variety. They will graze on live algae in the tank, which should be encouraged as a natural food source.

Behavior

Powder Blue Tangs are semi-aggressive and territorial, especially toward other tangs and similar-shaped fish. They are active swimmers that patrol all water zones and require ample space to establish territories. They may display aggressive behavior during feeding or when stressed, making them best suited for experienced aquarists.

Breeding

Breeding Powder Blue Tangs in captivity is extremely rare and virtually undocumented in home aquariums. They require specific environmental triggers and large open-water spawning areas that are difficult to replicate. Captive-bred specimens are uncommon; most aquarium fish are wild-caught.

Common Diseases

Ich (Marine Ich)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Quarantine immediately; raise temperature to 28-29°C, use copper-based treatments or hyposalinity therapy; maintain excellent water quality

Velvet Disease

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid gill movement, loss of appetite, clamped fins

Treatment

Quarantine and treat with copper medication or formalin; increase aeration; maintain stable water parameters

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Torn fins, open sores, cloudy eyes, behavioral changes, loss of appetite

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately; use antibiotic medications if severe; maintain pristine tank conditions

Nutritional Deficiency

Symptoms

Faded coloration, weight loss, lethargy, weakened immune response

Treatment

Provide varied herbivore diet with quality pellets, nori, and spirulina; ensure adequate feeding frequency

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Quick Facts

pH
8.1–8.4
diet
herbivore
maxSize
9 inches
salinity
1.023–1.025 SG
minTankSize
100 gallons
temperature
75–79°F (24–26°C)

Temperature

75–79°F

24–26°C

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists