Description

The Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is a visually stunning and highly recognizable marine fish, prized for its vivid coloration and active swimming behavior. However, it’s also known for being territorial, disease-prone, and best suited for experienced aquarists due to its care demands.

🔷 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Acanthurus leucosternon

• Common Names: Powder Blue Tang, Powder Blue Surgeonfish

• Origin: Indian Ocean (from East Africa to Indonesia)

• Size: Up to 9 inches (23 cm)

• Lifespan: 10–15 years (in captivity with excellent care)

• Temperament: Aggressive toward similar species

• Reef Safe: Yes

• Care Level: Difficult

🐟 Appearance

• Body Color: Electric blue with a black face mask

• Dorsal Fin: Bright yellow

• Tail Fin: White with a light blue border

• Underside: White “chest” area

• Shape: Oval body with a pointed snout

🏝️ Tank Requirements

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Herbivore

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily

• Diet Includes:

  • Marine algae (nori/seaweed sheets)

  • Spirulina flakes/pellets

  • Enriched frozen foods (occasionally, like mysis shrimp)

  • Prepared foods with added vitamins

Important: A diet rich in plant matter is essential to avoid HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion) and to maintain immune health.

⚠️ Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Territorial and can be very aggressive to other tangs or similar body-shaped fish (especially other Acanthurus or Zebrasoma species)

• Tankmates:

  • Best with peaceful to moderately aggressive species

  • Avoid other tangs unless in a large system (180+ gallons)

  • Compatible with reef-safe wrasses, anthias, clowns, gobies, etc.

• Reef Compatibility: 100% reef-safe (does not nip corals or inverts)

🛠️ Care Tips

• Disease Susceptibility: Very prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and other parasites

  • Use a UV sterilizer and/or quarantine tank

• Acclimation: Needs slow acclimation; sensitive to parameter swings

• Tank Stability: Requires pristine water quality and high oxygen levels

• Stress Management: Avoid housing with bullies; stress can quickly lead to illness

✅ Pros

• Visually stunning and elegant swimmer

• Excellent grazer of nuisance algae

• Active and engaging personality

• Reef safe

❌ Cons

• Highly aggressive toward other tangs

• Very susceptible to ich and stress-related diseases

• Requires a large tank and stable environment

• Not beginner-friendly