Yellow Belly Hippo Tang — Paracanthurus hepatus

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The Yellow Belly Hippo Tang is a color form of Paracanthurus hepatus associated with the western Indian Ocean. It has the familiar blue body and black palette marking of the Blue Hippo Tang, with yellow extending from the tail onto the underside. The extent and intensity of the yellow can vary with size and between individuals.

Detailed care

• Adult size: Up to about 12 inches.
• Recommended adult aquarium: At least 180 US gallons and 6 feet long, with room to swim and rock crevices for shelter.
• Reef compatibility: Generally compatible with corals and invertebrates. Plan introductions carefully when keeping other tangs.
• Feeding: Offer marine algae or nori regularly alongside quality marine pellets and appropriately sized frozen foods.

François Neo’s advice

I choose this tang for the space it will need as an adult. I recommend quarantining new arrivals and confirming that the fish is feeding reliably before moving it into the display. If belly coloration matters to you, ask about the individual fish before ordering.

S, M and L refer to purchase size. Contact us for current batch measurements.

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