Blue Hippo Tang

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceLarge tank

  Needs a large aquarium — several hundred liters.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Blue Hippo, or Palette Surgeonfish, ranges across the Indo-Pacific and can reach 25-30 cm in the aquarium. Juveniles are small and shy, often wedging into rock to sleep or when startled, but they grow into powerful, fast swimmers. They are notoriously susceptible to ich and marine velvet, so quarantine is strongly advised. Adults require a large aquarium of 450 litres (120 gallons) or more with vigorous flow and long open swimming runs, kept at 24-26C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. Feed heavily on marine algae and nori supplemented with mysis and vitamin-enriched foods. Reef-safe and generally peaceful, they should be the only large tang unless the system is very spacious.

• How active is a Blue Hippo Tang?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Blue Hippo Tang need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Blue Hippo Tang need?

  Large tank. Needs a large aquarium — several hundred liters.

• Is a Blue Hippo Tang a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Blue Hippo Tang live?

  12–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Blue Hippo Tang?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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