About Blue Tang
The Blue Tang, made famous by the character Dory in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory," is one of the most iconic saltwater aquarium fish. Known for their vibrant blue bodies and yellow tail, these surgeonfish are beautiful but challenging to keep. They require massive tanks, pristine water quality, and specialized care. Blue Tangs need plenty of swimming space and a diet rich in algae. While stunning, they are not suitable for beginners or small tanks.
Care Guide
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
Blue Tangs need very large tanks with plenty of swimming room:
- Absolute minimum: 125 gallons (6 feet long)
- Recommended: 180+ gallons
- Long tanks preferred (need swimming space)
- Excellent water flow
- Live rock (20+ lbs per 10 gallons)
- Protein skimmer
- High-quality lighting
- Heater to maintain 72-78°F
Critical: They are active swimmers that need open space. Tall or narrow tanks don’t work.
Water Quality (Marine)
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <10 ppm (very sensitive)
- Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Maintenance:
- Weekly 15-25% water changes
- Top off with RO/DI water daily
- Excellent filtration mandatory
- Pristine water conditions required
Feeding
Blue Tangs are primarily herbivores:
- Staple: Marine algae sheets (Nori) - clip to glass daily
- Spirulina-based marine pellets
- Frozen foods: Mysis shrimp, marine mixes
- Live rock: Grazing on algae
- Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, spinach
Feeding Schedule: Multiple small feedings daily. They graze constantly.
Critical: If not fed enough algae, they may nip at corals and tank mates.
Behavior & Compatibility
Blue Tangs can be territorial but generally peaceful:
-
Good Tank Mates:
- Clownfish
- Other tangs (different shapes/sizes)
- Basslets
- Dartfish
- Cardinalfish
- Large peaceful community fish
-
Avoid:
- Other Blue Tangs (will fight)
- Similar-shaped surgeonfish (Yellow Tangs may work if tank is large)
- Aggressive fish
- Very small tanks (causes stress and aggression)
Swimming Needs
Blue Tangs are marathon swimmers:
- Need 6+ feet of swimming length
- Constantly on the move
- Require strong water flow
- Stressed in small tanks (leads to disease)
- Need open swimming lanes
Common Health Issues
- Marine Ich: Very susceptible; ich often fatal
- HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion): Nutritional deficiency
- Tang Trauma: Shipping stress; acclimate carefully
- Cryptocaryon: Marine parasite
- Internal Parasites: Common in wild-caught
Prevention: Pristine water, quarantine, varied diet with emphasis on algae.
Acclimation
Blue Tangs are sensitive to shipping and handling:
- Quarantine for 4-6 weeks (mandatory)
- Very long drip acclimation (2+ hours)
- Dim lights during introduction
- Watch for ich (very common)
- May hide for several days
Size & Growth
- Juvenile: 2-3 inches (often sold this size)
- Adult: 10-12 inches
- Growth: Moderate to fast with good care
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
They grow much larger than most people expect!
Captive Bred vs Wild Caught
- Wild Caught: Most common, more prone to disease, cheaper
- Captive Bred: Hardier, better acclimated to aquarium life, more expensive but worth it
Recommend captive bred when available (Biota Aquariums, etc.)
Tank Maintenance
- Weekly 15-25% water changes
- Top off evaporation daily (RO/DI)
- Clean protein skimmer regularly
- Clean algae sheets/clip daily
- Test water parameters frequently
- Prune macroalgae in refugium
- Monitor for signs of ich or HLLE
Tips for Success
- Buy captive bred if possible (much hardier)
- Quarantine for 4-6 weeks minimum
- Provide massive tank (125+ gallons)
- Feed algae daily (Nori sheets)
- Maintain pristine water conditions
- Long, slow acclimation process
- Add to established tank (6+ months)
- Never attempt in tanks under 125 gallons
- Watch for ich (very common in this species)
Why “Advanced”
Blue Tangs are challenging for several reasons:
- Massive tank requirements (125+ gallons minimum)
- Very susceptible to ich and other diseases
- Require pristine water conditions
- Specialized diet (heavy algae requirement)
- Stress easily in small or crowded tanks
- Expensive to set up proper tank
- Need expert-level marine knowledge
Not for beginners, even in the saltwater world.
Similar Species (Easier)
If you want a “Dory” but can’t meet Blue Tang requirements:
- Yellow Tang: Similar care, slightly easier, still needs 100+ gallons
- Kole Tang: Smaller (7 inches), needs 75+ gallons
- Naso Tang: Larger, needs 180+ gallons
- Tomini Tang: Smaller (6 inches), needs 70+ gallons
All surgeonfish/tangs need large tanks and expert care.