Powder blue tang

The powder blue tang is a marine surgeonfish of the family Acanthuridae, native to the Indian Ocean and surrounding reefs. It is strikingly colored, with a powder-blue body, a black face, a bright yellow dorsal fin and white and yellow accents, and it bears a sharp scalpel-like spine at the base of the tail. It is an active, territorial fish that can be aggressive toward other tangs and similar-shaped fish, though it may be skittish when first introduced. It requires a large tank with strong flow, high water quality and abundant live rock for grazing and shelter. It is primarily herbivorous, needing plenty of marine algae and prepared vegetable foods, supplemented with some meaty items. It is prone to marine ich and other ailments, so it demands stable conditions and careful acclimation. Best suited to experienced keepers, its beauty makes it a sought-after but somewhat delicate reef fish.