Powder Blue Tang - Indonesia (Acanthurus Leucosternon)

The Powder Blue Tang is one of the most iconic and stunningly colored tangs, featuring a vibrant sky-blue body, yellow dorsal fin, and striking black face mask. Originating from the reefs of Indonesia, this tang is prized for its beauty and active swimming behavior. However, it requires a large, well-maintained aquarium due to its size, activity level, and sensitivity to water quality. Powder Blue Tangs are known for their tendency to establish territories and may show aggression toward other tangs or similarly shaped fish, making them best suited to spacious tanks with ample rockwork.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 9 inches.
• Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum; a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and rockwork for grazing and hiding is essential.
• Diet: Herbivorous; primarily feeds on marine algae. It requires a varied diet with a strong emphasis on algae-based foods, such as nori, seaweed sheets, and high-quality herbivore pellets, to maintain health and vibrant coloration.
• Water Temp: 74-80°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Semi-aggressive; this tang is territorial, especially with other tangs or fish with similar body shapes. Best kept with non-aggressive species and in tanks with ample space to reduce territorial conflicts.
• Skill Level: Advanced; Powder Blue Tangs are sensitive to water quality and prone to marine ich, so stable parameters and careful acclimation are essential.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and is beneficial in controlling algae growth in reef tanks.

Special Feature - Algae Control
The Powder Blue Tang is an excellent grazer, feeding on various types of algae in the aquarium. It helps control algae growth naturally, contributing to a cleaner environment. Ensuring a diet rich in algae-based foods supports this behavior and keeps the tang healthy and active.

Compatibility and Aggression
While generally peaceful with dissimilar tankmates, the Powder Blue Tang can show aggression toward other tangs or similar species. Providing a large tank with ample hiding places can help reduce this territorial behavior. Avoid housing with other Acanthurus species in smaller tanks to prevent conflicts.

Coloration

• Indonesian Region: The Powder Blue Tang from Indonesia displays a vibrant sky-blue body, contrasting with its yellow dorsal fin and black facial markings. Its striking coloration and active nature make it a standout in any marine tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, especially around Indonesia and nearby reefs, the Powder Blue Tang inhabits coral reefs and lagoons. It prefers areas with plenty of algae for grazing and open spaces for active swimming.