Yellow Belly Hippo Tang

The Yellow Belly Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), also known as the Yellow Belly Regal Tang, is a vibrant and popular marine fish recognized for its striking blue body and distinctive yellow belly. This variant is native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands, and is a prized addition to many marine aquariums.

(REEF SAFE / INTERMEDIATE)

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Yellow Belly Hippo Tang, Yellow Belly Regal Tang
• Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
• Family: Acanthuridae
• Origin/Habitat: Inhabits coral-rich reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands.
• Maximum Size: Can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live over a decade in captivity.
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate; requires a spacious tank and consistent water quality.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: Features a deep blue body with a distinctive black palette-like pattern on the sides and a bright yellow belly and tail.
• Body Shape & Structure: Displays an oval, laterally compressed body with a continuous dorsal fin and a sharp spine on the caudal peduncle for defense.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 100 gallons (380 liters) is recommended to provide ample swimming space and accommodate their active nature.
• Water Temperature: Maintain between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
• pH Level: Optimal range is 8.1 to 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Maintain between 1.020 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Provide plenty of live rock formations for grazing and hiding, ensuring open areas for free swimming.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Primarily herbivorous.
• Preferred Foods: Feeds mainly on algae; supplement diet with marine-based seaweed, algae sheets, and occasional meaty foods.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer food 2 to 3 times daily.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior towards similar species.
• Social Behavior: Best kept singly unless in a very large aquarium; may show aggression towards other tangs or fish with similar shapes.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with a variety of marine species; caution is advised when introducing other tangs or similarly shaped fish.
• Activity Level: Active swimmer, often seen grazing on algae throughout the tank.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: While hardy, they require stable water conditions and a spacious environment to thrive.
• Special Requirements: Ensure a well-covered tank to prevent jumping; maintain high water quality to prevent disease.
• Breeding Info: Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented.
• Additional Notes: Regular monitoring is essential to manage potential aggression and ensure the well-being of tank mates.