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Palette Surgeonfish (Regal Tang)

Pacific blue tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

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Fun Facts

Dory, from Disney's Finding Nemo, is a Pacific blue tang!

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Pacific blue tang

Size:

On average, Pacific blue tangs grow to 12 inches (31 centimeters) in length.

Diet:

Pacific blue tangs eat plankton, algae and other marine plants.

Range & Habitat:

In the Indian and Pacific Oceans, these fish live near branching corals to hide from predators.

Details:

Pacific blue tangs are small fish with royal blue bodies and yellow tails. On their topside is a hollow black oval, running from the corner of their eye to the base of their tail.