Description
Atlantic Blue Tang, Acanthurus coeruleus. Atlantic Blue tang are usually bright yellow until they reach about 2 inches, after which they will begin to turn blue. There are exceptions to this, and occasionally we see 5″ yellow phases and 1″ blue phases, but for the most part they are yellow when they’re small and blue when they’re big..
Atlantic tangs and surgeonfish are primarily herbivorous at all stages of their life, and are an important component in algae control on the reefs of Florida and the Caribbean. In the wild they can survive on just algae because they eat a wide variety of algae and the algae have all kinds of epiphytes growing on them, so they get plant and animal proteins (and fats) with every bite. In a home reef tank there is not a wide variety of algae and not nearly as many epiphytes, so I recommend that you to feed them regularly with some sort of prepared pellet food so that they are not totally dependant on the algae in your system.
Tangs will do a good job keeping algae under control in your reef tank, but I doubt that they can do the job alone, so you should consider including some invertebrates such as herbivorous snails or blue legs to help out.
Tangs are also very susceptible to Ich, so be sure to quarantine them for two weeks prior to adding them to your main tank.
Small: 1 to 2 inches
Medium: 2 to 3 inches
Large: >3 to 5 inches
XL: 5 to 9 inches
Please Note: Any new fish purchased from us or from a local pet store should to be quarantined. All fish from anywhere in the wild can be possible carriers of bacteria and protozoa that can lead to an infection in your system, so we always recommend that you use some sort of quarantine system prior to adding them to your system. If you have a fish only system and can medicate the whole system, you may not need a separate quarantine tank. If you have a reef system that cannot be medicated, a good ultraviolet sterilization system should prevent any kind of disease outbreak. We medicate our system for bacterial infections and protozoans, but because we don’t always hold our fish for long periods of time, there is no way to be sure all the protozoan cysts have been killed. A little bit of prevention will save you lots of trouble down the line.
Neil (verified owner) –
Ordered a small Juvi Blue and very pleased. He eats like a little pig and is just about the size of a 50 cent piece. Adjusted quickly in QT and has VERY quickly adjusted to aquarium life. Very happy and can’t wait to watch him transition and grow into an adult!
rllandonjr (verified owner) –
First order from KP Aquatics. Ordered a medium Blue Tang. The fish was smaller than expected but in really good shape and started picking on live rock almost immediately after acclimation. Put it in with a very large Yellow Tang, medium Purple Tang, and Sailfin Tang and was amazed that it wasn’t afraid and would swim around with the others. Very pleased with the purchase. Very nice fish overall and for one of the best prices anywhere! Glad to have found KP!
ijf90 (verified owner) –
I received 1 small Acanthurus coeruleus. The fish was lethargic when first observed in the shipping bag, but perked up almost immediately when acclimation began. Once acclimated, the fish appeared exceptionally healthy. Phillip was kind enough to call before the order shipped to warn me that the specimen was only recently collected, and offered some alternative options. I decided to have him go ahead and ship anyway. This gesture and up-front honesty was very much appreciated! The specimen is beautiful and is healthily perusing the quarantine tank. The value and quality at KP Aquatics is unrivaled. Phillip and Kara are experts at what they do.
Ben Willis –
I’ve ordered several of these in group orders and they all turn out fine after a short acclimation. I kept two from the last shipment and they were out picking algae off rocks in just a few minutes. They are small but will defend themselves vigilently. After a short time they recognize me and follow me around the tank expecting food.
Perry Acosta –
Arrived looking like he didn’t enjoy shipping much, during acclimation he stayed on his side a lot. Had me worried but when I put him in the tank he swam out of my hand and went to exploring. Started eating right away and a very active swimmer. Looking forward to watching him get his adult color.
Sharyn Z Wertz –
Beautiful, healthy, inquisitive…the photo doesn’t do these fish justice. Dorsal and ventral fins are lined with a gorgeous blurple, and there’s even a tiny hint of blue around the eyes. L’il dude hung out in a small cave for 15 minutes or so, then started exploring and nibbling on the various algae (micro and macro). After just a couple of hours he acts like he’s been here forever. Another exceptional value from Ken!
Gerald Jeffers –
bought 3 ken sent 4 he often does this he is a great guy …and what a fish very energetic started eating the first hour wow and thanks
connie nicholson –
I LOVE THIS FISH GREAT LITTLE FISH SO FULL OF LIFE AND ENERGY
Isaac soto –
Healthy and energetic, these tangs look great in my aquarium; a steal for the price.