How to Care for Blue Hippo Tangs

Blue hippo tangs (Paracanthurus hepatus), also known as Hepatus tangs, hippo tang, blue tang, regal tang and several other common names are native to the Indian Ocean and North Pacific Ocean near Japan. They live near the bottom of the ocean floor at depths of 6 to 130 feet and where the water is in constant motion, reports the Aquatic Community website. Their large size -- up to 12 inches as an adult -- makes them stand out in a saltwater aquarium and makes their care a bit more challenging than smaller fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Large aquarium
  • Filter
  • Aquarium decor
  • Air stone
  • Wave maker
  • Water quality testing kits
  • Omnivore fish food
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep blue hippo tangs in a large aquarium of at least 75 gallons in size. These large and active fish need a large tank. Also, make sure the filter you install is large enough for your tank size. This information will be found on the filter specs on the side of the filter box.

    • 2

      Place rocks and reefs with caves, plants and other objects in the tank where the blue hippo tang can hide. Place these object close together so that there is also a lot of open space for swimming.

    • 3

      Use an air stone in the tank and a wave maker. This will mimic the constant currents and high oxygen levels in the natural habitat of the blue hippo tang.

    • 4

      Maintain clean and clear water quality that is optimal for the hippo tang. These fish require water temperatures of 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (which can be accomplished with an aquarium heater), a pH of 8.1 to 8.4 and specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025. Water hardness needs to be between 57.14 and 85.71 mg/L. Water testing and control supplies can be found at any aquarium supply retailer. To keep the water clean, make partial water changes of about 20 percent twice a month.

    • 5

      Feed a varied omnivore diet to your blue hippo tang. They will eat algae, leafy greens, cooked vegetables and small shrimp. The Aquatic Community website recommends feeding a fish flake food with vitamin C added to keep these fish healthy.