Atlantic blue tang

The Atlantic blue tang is a surgeonfish (family Acanthuridae) found on reefs of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. Adults are a uniform deep blue with fine darker lines, while juveniles are bright yellow and change color as they mature. Like all tangs it carries a sharp spine at the base of the tail. It is a peaceful grazer for most tankmates but can squabble with other tangs, especially in confined space. It may be kept singly or, in large systems, in a group. A spacious reef aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and strong, oxygen-rich water suits it well. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding heavily on algae, and its diet should emphasize marine algae, nori, and spirulina alongside some prepared foods. It is reef-safe and helps control nuisance algae. Given its adult size and swimming needs, it suits keepers with a large, established tank.