Everyone wants a regal tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) in their reef tank. Here is how you should care for them in your aquarium.
Ever since Finding Nemo, and more recently Finding Dory, the regal tang has been at the top of reefer's wish lists. One glance at this bright blue fish, with its yellow tail and active swimming patterns, and it is clear to see why. This is a marine fish that wows onlookers.
However, before you rush out to buy one for your home aquarium, there are a few things you must know.
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Regal tang tank size
This is not a small fish, even if you can often find specimens as small as a few centimetres in shops. These individuals are just babies and soon grow, reaching a potential maximum size of 30cm (12"). Therefore, you will need a large marine aquarium to house them for their full life span, which can be over 20 years!
For a juvenile you will need a tank at least 150cm (5') long, but large adults need fish tanks measuring close to 245cm (8'). That is a large aquarium, holding potentially over 1000 litres (220 gal). Kitting out such a tank with equipment isn't going to be cheap, nor are the ongoing running costs.
Regal tang diet
Regal tangs are omnivores, accepting a wide range of foods which should make feeding your tank fairly easy. In the wild they regularly feed on the zooplankton that drifts by, along with eating algae that grows on the coral reefs. So, we should match this in captivity by offering both small meaty foods and plenty of greenery for these algae eaters.
To replicate the zooplankton, offer frozen foods like Mysis, brine shrimp and krill. As for the greenery, the algae on the live rock is likely not enough. So, include sheets of nori, green marine flakes and other spirulina based prepared foods in their regular diet. Feed them three times a day and you'll soon see the results as your fish begin to grow.
Can a regal tang live in a community reef tank?
Yes, they are well suited to reef aquariums. These tangs are unlikely to bother the invertebrates of your reef, so your corals, clams and crustaceans should be safe. As always, there are exceptions to the rule, and rogue fish that get a taste for a certain coral do occur.
Related article: Quick guide to hard corals.
In fact, it is other fish that may be more of a concern. While these fish live alongside each other in loose groups, in the confines of aquariums they become aggressive. For that reason, one adult regal tang per tank is probably best unless in the largest of systems.
Similarly, it is best to avoid close relatives within the Acanthuridae family. Although plenty of reefers will have their own trick to help them get along. These include buying them all at the same time, and choosing species that look dissimilar. As for compatible fish species, regals generally mix well with other dissimilar reef fishes.
Choosing your tang
Regal tangs are susceptible to many diseases, especially when stress or malnourished. Knowing what to look for when shopping can be helpful. A healthy tang should be rounded around the body, not pinched in. They should also be active, alert and brightly coloured. Marine whitespot is a common issue so look closely for small white dots on the body and fins.
Individuals should have been quarantined prior to purchase, but if you have the means it is best to do it yourself as well. Treating whitespot in a reef tank is tricky as many treatments are not safe with invertebrates.
Also, tangs have a habit of hiding after being added to the reef, meaning getting a good close look to see any signs of disease can be tricky. Whereas, in the confines of a quarantine tank you are more likely to spot issues early, making them easier to treat.
Regal tang fact file
Scientific name: Paracanthurus hepatus
Size: Up to 30cm (12")
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat: Generally lives in loose groups a metre or so above the corals in exposed reefs. They use corals like Pocillopora eydouxi for cover when startled.
Tank size: 150x60x60cm (5x2x2') for juveniles with tanks exceeding 245cm (8') suitable for adults.
Temperament: Aggressive towards relatives and species that may compete for food. Usually safe with invertebrates and is a great addition to a large reef tank.
Feeding: Omnivore accepting a wide range of foods. Offer a mix of frozen and prepared foods along with sheets of nori.
Availability & cost: Common in the hobby despite their housing demands. This often means they end up in aquariums not suitable for long term care. Expect to pay around £50 for a small individual.
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