Paracanthurus hepatus

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Regal Tang
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Acanthuridae Genus: Paracanthurus Bleeker, 1863 Species: P. hepatus
Binomial name
Paracanthurus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1766)

Paracanthurus hepatus, commonly known as the regal tang, is an average-sized colorful reef fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. A popular fish in marine aquaria, it is the only member of the genus Paracanthurus.^[1][2] A number of common names have been attributed to the species, including but not limited to palette surgeonfish, blue tang (leading to easy confusion with the Atlantic Acanthurus coeruleus), royal blue tang, hippo tang, flagtail surgeonfish and blue surgeonfish.

Contents 1 Anatomy and morphology 2 Distribution 3 Ecology and life history 3.1 Life history 4 Importance to humans 5 Aquarium life 6 Conservation 7 In popular culture 8 Bibliography 9 References 10 External links

[edit] Anatomy and morphology

Paracanthurus hepatus has a royal blue body, yellow tail, and black 'palette' design. The lower part of the body is yellow in the west-central Indian Ocean.^[3] It grows to a maximum length of about 31 cm (12.25 in.).^[1]

[edit] Distribution

The species' range is quite broad,but it is nowhere common. It can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is seen around the reefs of East Africa, Japan, Samoa, New Caledonia, and the Great Barrier Reef.^[1]

[edit] Ecology and life history

As a juvenile, its diet consists primaily of plankton. Adults feed on plankton, but will also graze on algae, they are omnivores. If put into an aquarium they need a tank up to 75 gallons. They get up to one foot long.

[edit] Life history

Spawning occurs during late afternoon and evening hours. This event is indicated by a change in color from a uniform dark blue to a pale blue

[edit] Importance to humans

The blue tang is of minor commercial fisheries importance, however it is occasionally utilized as a bait fish. The flesh has a strong odor and is not highly prized. This fish may cause ciguatera poisoning if consumed by humans. However, blue tangs are collected commercially for the aquarium trade. Those native to the Indian and African regions are particularly desirable due to the yellow coloration on the underside. An unwary human who tries to handle the blue tang risks the chances of being badly cut by the caudal spine. These spines, on both sides of the caudal peduncle, are extended from the body when the fish becomes excited. The quick, thrashing sideways motion of the tail can produce deep wounds that result in swelling and discoloration, posing a high risk of infection. The pain can last for hours, until eventually subsiding into a dull ache. It is believed that some species of Acanthurus have venom glands while others do not. The spines are used only as a method of protection against aggressors. Having one in an aquarium and cornering it will most likely result in injury.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Aquarium life

The regal tang is found readily in most aquarium stores. As juveniles, they require an aquarium of at least 40 gallons, but as adults, will require at least a 70 gallon tank. They will eat many frozen fish foods such as mysids and krill. Adults will also nibble on algae and nori. As with most tangs, having more than one in a small aquarium can cause stress, which can lead to injury from fighting. This fish is reef compatible, therefore will not eat your corals, anemones, etcetra. Blue tangs get up to one foot long and will not have stunted growth in an aquarium, as gold fish do.

[edit] Conservation

The blue tang has not been evaluated by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), but is considered to be of low vulnerability.^[1]

[edit] In popular culture

Dory is a Regal Tang suffering from short-term memory loss in the 2003 Pixar / Disney film, "Finding Nemo," and was voiced by comedian and day time talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. In the movie, Dory was the sidekick to Marlin, an Ocellaris clownfish.

This species also appears in two Wii games: Endless Ocean and Animal Crossing: City Folk.

[edit] Bibliography

• Paracanthurus hepatus (TSN 172320). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 18 April 2006.
• "Paracanthurus hepatus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. January 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Paracanthurus hepatus

Wikispecies has information related to: Paracanthurus hepatus

• Regal Tang care information on The Aquarium Wiki