Pacific Blue Tang: here’s the scoop
threats
Overexploitation and destructive fishing practices are threats in some parts of its range. Widespread coral reef loss and declining habitat conditions are particularly worrying for species that recruit into areas with live coral cover.
Species
Pacific Blue Tang
Scientific name
Paracanthurus hepatus
Habitat
Clear water on exposed outer reef areas or in channels where there is consistent moderate to strong current.
Diet
Plankton and algae
life expectancy
8 – 20 years
Did you know?
Blue tang eat nothing but algae and they’re instrumental in keeping the algae levels on coral down to a manageable level. Without the blue tang there to eat their fill, algae could overgrow and suffocate the reefs.
Range
East Africa, Japan, Samoa, and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia
Conservation status
Least Concern
Widespread and abundant
