💙 Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

The Blue Hippo Tang, also known as the Regal Tang or "Dory," is one of the most recognizable marine fish thanks to its stunning blue coloration and pop culture fame. While beautiful, this species requires more care than many realize and is best suited for experienced aquarists with large systems.

📋 Quick Facts

⚠️ Special Considerations

This is NOT a beginner fish. Blue Hippo Tangs are:

• Extremely susceptible to ich and velvet
• Prone to stress-related illness
• Need significantly more space than most tangs
• Require stable, mature aquariums

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 180 gallons minimum; 250+ gallons ideal
• Aquascape: Plenty of swimming room with caves/overhangs for hiding
• Water Flow: Strong - they come from surge zones
• Hiding Spots: Essential - they sleep in crevices at night

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Blue Hippo Tangs are omnivores that lean heavily herbivorous. A varied diet is crucial for health.

Primary Diet (60-70%)

• Nori/Seaweed sheets - Multiple times daily
• Spirulina flakes/pellets - Staple food
• Fresh macroalgae - Gracilaria, Chaeto
• Marine algae preparations

Protein Component (30-40%)

• Mysis shrimp - Important protein source
• Enriched brine shrimp
• Quality marine pellets
• Chopped seafood - Occasional

Feeding Schedule

• Feed 3+ times daily in small amounts
• Nori should always be available
• Prone to going on hunger strikes - variety is key

Critical Nutrition Notes

• HLLE Prevention: Vitamin-enriched foods essential
• Soak all foods in Selcon or garlic guard
• Garlic - May help with appetite and immunity
• Avoid exclusive protein diet - Causes health issues

🐟 Compatibility

Good Tankmates

• Clownfish
• Most wrasses
• Anthias
• Larger angels
• Other peaceful community fish
• Other tang species (in very large tanks)

Use Caution

• Aggressive fish - Will stress the hippo tang
• Multiple hippo tangs - Only in 300+ gallon systems

Avoid

• Very aggressive species
• Small, cramped tanks
• Tanks without hiding places

🏥 Health Considerations

Disease Susceptibility

• Ich/Marine Velvet: EXTREMELY susceptible - quarantine mandatory
• Recommended QT: 6-8 weeks with prophylactic copper treatment
• UV Sterilizer: Highly recommended for display tank

Behavioral Health

• "Playing dead": May lie on side when stressed - often normal
• Color fading: Sign of stress or poor diet
• Hiding constantly: May indicate bullying or illness

💡 Tips for Success

• Extended quarantine with copper is almost mandatory
• Add to established, stable systems only
• Provide multiple hiding spots - they feel secure with escape routes
• Keep water quality pristine - very sensitive to nitrates
• Don't panic if they "play dead" - it's often normal behavior
• Consider captive-bred when available (hardier)

📚 Summary

The Blue Hippo Tang is a stunning but demanding fish that requires experienced care. Their extreme susceptibility to parasites means quarantine is non-negotiable, and their large adult size demands tanks of 180+ gallons. With proper care, excellent water quality, and a varied diet rich in algae, these fish can thrive for decades. They're not a good "first tang" - gain experience with hardier species first.