Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus Leucosternon)

Species Name : Acanthurus Leucosternon

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Blue, Yellow, Black

Diet : Herbivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 9"

Family : Acanthuridae

Origin : Eastern Africa, Christmas Island, Indonesia 

Minimum Tank Size : 125 gallons

The Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus Leucosternon), also known as the Powder Blue Surgeonfish, has an oval body shape with extremely colorful, bold markings. It is prized for its vivid colors and bold markings, with several varying shades of blue accented by yellow and white. Bright yellow highlights the dorsal and pectoral fins, and striking blue-black markings outline the face and tail. The shape of its beak-like mouth is useful for accessing algae in small crevices. It may use its surgeon's scalpel as a defensive weapon. The fish can reach an average size of 23 cm (9 in) in length.

A 125 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It needs plenty of live rock for better algae growth. The Powder Blue Tang loves to nibble at algae.

It is extremely aggressive towards other Tangs or Surgeonfish, especially those similar in form and color, and should be the only one in the tank except in very large systems: introduce all at once if more than one is to be maintained in the same aquarium. Powder blue tails are reef safe.

Acanthurus Leucosternon has a diurnal activity. In cases where food is plentiful, it may feed in shoals, but in cases of scarcity, it may compete individually for food. 

Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This can, for example, be plant based fish flakes, Nori seaweed or similar. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. You can feed it every 3-4 hours a day to avoid overfeeding.

Size: 

Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2»

Medium: 3" to 4»

Large: 5" to 6"