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Acanthurus leucosternon
The Powder Blue Tang, scientifically known as Acanthurus leucosternon, is a breathtaking and highly sought-after fish species that belongs to the Acanthuridae family. This marine beauty is admired for its vibrant colors, graceful movements, and striking appearance.
Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, particularly found in the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, the Powder Blue Tang showcases a stunning combination of powder blue and yellow hues. Its body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a distinctive bright yellow dorsal fin and tail. The powder blue coloration covers most of its body, with a darker blue shade on its head and a contrasting white or light blue face mask.
This species is relatively larger in size compared to other tangs, reaching an average length of around 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) when fully grown. It has sharp spines on the base of its tail, which are used for protection and territorial displays.
The Powder Blue Tang is known for its active and energetic swimming behavior, gracefully gliding through the water column. It requires ample swimming space and a well-established reef or marine aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and live rock formations to mimic its natural habitat.
When it comes to feeding, the Powder Blue Tang is primarily herbivorous, feeding on various types of algae and seaweed in the wild. In a home aquarium, it should be provided with a varied diet consisting of high-quality marine-based foods, such as algae sheets, spirulina flakes, and other herbivore pellets or flakes. Supplementing their diet with fresh vegetables, like blanched spinach or seaweed, can also be beneficial for their overall health and well-being.
Providing optimal water conditions is crucial for the well-being of the Powder Blue Tang. They prefer a well-maintained aquarium with stable water parameters, including a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C) and a pH level of 8.1-8.4. Regular water changes and the use of a good filtration system are essential to maintain water quality.
While the Powder Blue Tang is generally peaceful, it may exhibit territorial behavior towards other tangs or similar-looking species. It is recommended to introduce them to the aquarium as the last addition to minimize aggression. Keeping only one Powder Blue Tang per aquarium is usually advised, unless you have a very large tank with ample swimming and territorial space.
Overall, the Powder Blue Tang is a magnificent and captivating addition to any reef or marine aquarium. Its vibrant colors, graceful movements, and unique appearance make it a highly desirable choice among experienced hobbyists. With proper care, a suitable environment, and a well-balanced diet, the Powder Blue Tang can thrive and become a mesmerizing centerpiece in your aquatic display, adding a touch of elegance and beauty to your underwater world.
Use caution when housing with other Tangs or Surgeonfish. Similar shaped Tangs can be very aggressive towards each other. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae.
The Powder Blue is like Elanor for many reefers. It is well known that tangs have a penchant for Marine Ich and other diseases due to their lack of slime coating. The Powder Blue Tang in particular is known to be disease prone. We highly encourage quarantining all fish, but especially Surgeon Fish. We do our best to quarantine all fish at Reef Chasers but there can be absolutely no guarantees.
Tang's can typically get along if they are not the same species and/or ample living space is provided given they are introduced at the appropriate size & time. The powder blue tang can be aggressive, especially when larger so often times it is the last fish that a reef keeper will add.
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