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The Pacific Blue Tang is also referred to as the Palette Surgeonfish, Hepatus Tang, Blue Surgeonfish, and Regal Tang. Like most tangs and surgeons, it is easy to recognize because of the oval body shape and bold markings. It has a deep blue color with a "painter's palette" marking on the body.

Pacific Blue Tang requires a 75 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim. It is tolerant of other tangs, but can occasionally be aggressive towards other Blue Tangs. It is more susceptible to lateral line disease, fin erosion, ich and other skin parasites than many other fish.

The Pacific Blue Tang feeds on algae and other vegetarian items.

Caution: This species has a scalpel-like, razor-sharp spines on their sides near the base of the tail. This gives them their common name "Surgeonfish." The spines can inflict a very painful wound.