Powder Blue Tang
The Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is one of the most striking surgeonfish in the marine aquarium hobby, known for its brilliant powder-blue body, contrasting black face, bright yellow dorsal fin, and crisp white markings. Its exceptional coloration and constant swimming activity make it an impressive centerpiece for larger reef aquariums.
Beautiful, active, and highly sought after, the Powder Blue Tang is best suited for established marine aquariums with ample swimming space, excellent water quality, and an experienced aquarist who understands the needs of this sensitive species.
🟢 Quarantined (Minimum 2 Weeks) – Fully Conditioned & Eating
Quick Facts
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Care Level: Advanced
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Temperament: Semi-Aggressive to Aggressive
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Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
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Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
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Size: Up to approximately 9 inches
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Scientific Name: Acanthurus leucosternon
What Makes This Fish Special?
The Powder Blue Tang is prized for its extraordinary coloration, combining a vivid blue body with a jet-black face, brilliant yellow dorsal fin, and contrasting white accents.
Few marine fish offer such a dramatic combination of colors, making this species a standout even in a heavily stocked reef aquarium.
Powder Blue Tangs are also highly active swimmers that spend much of their day cruising the aquarium and grazing on algae growing throughout the rockwork.
This species is particularly sensitive to shipping stress and external parasites, making proper quarantine and conditioning especially valuable before introduction into an established aquarium.
Behavior & Husbandry
Powder Blue Tangs are extremely active swimmers that require plenty of uninterrupted swimming space along with established rockwork for grazing and shelter.
They can become highly territorial, particularly toward other tangs and similarly shaped surgeonfish. Established Powder Blue Tangs may aggressively defend their preferred swimming areas.
Providing a large aquarium, stable water parameters, strong water movement, and excellent oxygenation is important for their long-term health.
Powder Blue Tangs are also particularly susceptible to marine ich and other external parasites. A carefully managed quarantine process and minimizing stress during acclimation are especially important with this species.
An established aquarium with excellent water quality and ample swimming space is strongly recommended.
Feeding & Diet
Primarily herbivorous and requires a diet rich in marine algae.
What We Feed at Lush Corals:
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Nori and marine algae
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High-quality herbivore pellets
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Frozen mysis shrimp
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Enriched frozen marine foods
In Your Aquarium:
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Nori offered regularly
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Marine algae
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High-quality herbivore pellets
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Spirulina-based foods
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Frozen mysis and other enriched marine foods
Frequent access to marine algae is important for maintaining proper body condition, strong coloration, and long-term health.
A varied diet and consistent feeding schedule can also help reduce stress and support overall condition.
Compatibility Notes
Compatible with:
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Clownfish
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Wrasses
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Gobies
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Blennies
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Cardinals
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Many appropriately sized reef fish
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Corals and reef invertebrates
Use caution when housing with:
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Other tangs
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Similar-shaped surgeonfish
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Other aggressive or territorial fish
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Very timid tankmates
Powder Blue Tangs can be particularly aggressive toward other surgeonfish, especially once established.
When planning a multiple-tang aquarium, adequate swimming space, careful species selection, and thoughtful introduction strategies are essential.
Lush Corals Quarantine Process
This fish has completed our quarantine process and is fully conditioned prior to sale.
Each fish is:
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Carefully inspected upon arrival
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Proactively treated and observed
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Monitored for health and behavior
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Conditioned to eat prepared foods
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Evaluated to ensure a strong feeding response
This helps ensure your fish arrives healthy, feeding, and well-adjusted, giving you a strong start in your aquarium.
Powder Blue Tangs are particularly sensitive to stress and external parasites. Our quarantine and conditioning process provides an important advantage by allowing the fish to establish a consistent feeding response and adjust to aquarium conditions before being offered for sale.
