Description
A striking juvenile tang featuring a sleek bluish-gray body with subtle blue spots and soft patterning that intensifies as it matures. As it grows, it develops vibrant coloration and, in adults, a pronounced forehead hump and bold markings. Highly active and fast-growing, this species becomes a true showpiece in large marine systems.
Native:
Indo-Pacific region including Maldives, Indonesia, Philippines, and surrounding reef systems.
Lighting:
Moderate to high reef lighting.
Placement:
Active mid to upper tank swimmer. Requires very large open swimming space and strong filtration. Minimum tank size: 180–250+ gallons (680–950+ liters), larger long-term.
Temperature:
24–28°C (75–82°F)
Salinity:
1.023–1.025 SG
pH:
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity:
8–12 dKH
Diet:
Primarily herbivore. Feed marine algae (nori), seaweed sheets, spirulina, herbivore pellets, and vegetable-based foods. Will also accept mysis shrimp and other frozen foods. Frequent feeding required.
Adult Size:
Up to 60 cm (24 inches)
Care Level:
Moderate (requires very large tank due to rapid growth and activity)
Compatibility:
Generally peaceful and reef-safe. Compatible with other large tangs (in very large systems), angelfish, wrasses, and community marine fish. May show mild aggression toward similar species if space is limited.
