How big is the Blue tang?

Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) reaches 15–31 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Blue tang?

Blue tang is found between 2–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Blue tang?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Blue tang?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.

Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Paracanthurus hepatus
Common name: Blue tang
Category: Fish
Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Paracanthurus
Size: 15–31 cm
Depth: 2–40 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: reef
Behaviours: schooling, herbivorous
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Paracanthurus hepatus, popularized as Dory in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, reaches 31 cm. Oval deep-royal-blue body with a characteristic black palette-shaped pattern, vivid yellow tail. Sharp retractable lateral blade. Juveniles live alone or in pairs within Pocillopora coral, adults in schools on Indo-Pacific drop-offs. From 2 to 40 m. Populations under pressure from the aquarium trade, sustainable aquaculture developing.

Photo of Blue tang

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Blue tang?: Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) reaches 15–31 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Blue tang?: Blue tang is found between 2–40 m deep.
Is the Blue tang dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Blue tang?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Blue tang?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Acanthuridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 219676)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2379534)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia