Powder blue tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
Powder blue tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is a marine species with an adult-size reference of about 23 cm. It needs at least 500 litres and one individual, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Wassertemperatur
23 - 28 °C
pH-Wert
8.1 - 8.4
Wassertyp
Meerwasser
Tankfüllstand
Alle Ebenen
Erwachsenengröße
23 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 500 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 1
KH
8 - 12 dKH
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A marine species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Acanthurus leucosternon; the verified classification records genus Acanthurus, family Acanthuridae, subfamily Acanthurinae, order Acanthuriformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Powder blue tang is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The minimum reference is one individual; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Powder blue tang needs an aquarium of at least 500 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of one individual. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is herbivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a marine species; the card's reference values are 23–28 °C, pH 8.1–8.4. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is reef-safe with caution, with a generally aggressive temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Caudal-peduncle spines can injure; avoid bare-hand handling. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
A marine species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Ursprung
Tropische Ozeane und RiffeAfrika und MadagaskarSüd- und Südostasien
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Powder blue tang has a generally aggressive temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Diät
- Herbivore
- The powder blue tang is primarily a herbivore that feeds on benthic algae in the wild. In captivity, its diet must consist majorly of marine plant matter, such as Nori seaweed sheets and spirulina-based flakes or pellets. While they will accept meaty foods like mysis and brine shrimp, these should only be offered as occasional treats. Providing high-quality seaweed enriched with vitamins is crucial to prevent head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) and maintain their vibrant colors.
- Lebenserwartung
- 10-15 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 23 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Solitary
- Powder blue tang is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The reference minimum is one individual and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- Due to its high energy levels and rapid metabolism, this species should be fed multiple times a day. Ideally, offering small portions two to three times daily keeps their digestive system working properly and helps reduce territorial aggression. Additionally, using a seaweed clip to leave a sheet of Nori in the tank allows them to graze naturally throughout the day. Consistent feeding is vital for maintaining their body weight and overall immune system health.
- Bioload
- High
- The powder blue tang has a high bioload because it is an active swimmer with a high metabolism that requires frequent feeding. Consequently, it produces a significant amount of biological waste, demanding a robust filtration system. A high-capacity protein skimmer and regular water changes are essential to maintain low nitrate and phosphate levels. Proper waste management is critical, as this species is highly sensitive to poor water conditions.
- Fluss
- Strong
- Originating from shallow, turbulent reef crests, the powder blue tang requires strong water flow and high dissolved oxygen levels. The aquarium should be equipped with powerful wavemakers to simulate these high-energy marine environments. Excellent flow not only keeps the fish active and healthy but also helps keep detritus in suspension for filtration. Insufficient water movement can cause stress, respiratory issues, and make them more vulnerable to diseases.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- Although not classified as chronic jumpers, powder blue tangs are very easily startled and can jump out of the tank when spooked. Sudden lighting changes, aggressive tank mates, or external movements near the glass can trigger a flight response. A tight-fitting lid or a secure mesh cover is highly recommended to prevent accidental leaps. Ensuring a calm environment and using a gradual dimming system for lights can significantly reduce this behavior.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding the powder blue tang in captivity is exceptionally difficult and is rarely achieved by private aquarists. In the wild, they are broadcast spawners that release their gametes into the water column in synchronized group events. The resulting larvae undergo a long and complex planktonic stage that is extremely hard to replicate in a closed system. Almost all specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught, though ongoing aquaculture research aims to change this.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Reef safe with caution
- The cohabitation profile is reef-safe with caution, with a generally aggressive temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Tankfüllstand
- All levels
- This species is an active, open-water swimmer that utilizes all levels of the aquarium, though it spends most of its time in the middle and upper zones. It requires a vast amount of open swimming space to satisfy its constant active movement. While it patrols the open water during the day, it will retreat into the lower rockwork at night for shelter and sleep. Providing a balance of open swimming lanes and complex rock structures is crucial for its well-being.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 2 ± 0 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Mittel (1,4 - 4,4 Jahre)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.02042, b = 2.94
- AnfälligkeitMäßige Anfälligkeit (42 / 100)
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