Blue Tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

RANGE Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

HABITAT Coral reefs

DIET Marine algae, brine shrimp, seaweed and other small microorganisms

The blue tang is also known as the palette surgeonfish. These fish are typically found at a depth of 2 - 25 meters. When faced with danger or dark spaces, blue tangs can make themselves semi-transparent in order to hide from predators.

Its tail has sharp spines on each side. These spines can unfold from a groove and inflict serious wounds.

Protection of coral reef ecosystems is essential to the blue tang's wild population.