The Hippo tang is one of the most widely recognized of the tangs, and goes by many names. Its body is primarily bright blue, with a distinctive black pattern extending from the eye towards the tail, which gives it another popular name, the Pallete tang, because this black pattern looks like a painter's pallete. Its bold blue color has also earned it the name Pacific blue tang. This beautiful fish also has a bright yellow tail. Males and females are visually identical.

The Hippo tang can grow to be approximately 12 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 180 gallons or larger. It can be difficult to keep so we recommend it for experienced aquarists only. It is especially prone to parasites such as ICH. It may also easily develop head and lateral line erosion, common causes are insufficient aquarium size, improper diet, and excessive use of activated charcoal.

The hippo tang is the only fish in its genus Paracanthurus, which means as long as an aquarium is large enough it can typically be kept with any other type of tang with no aggressive issues.

Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.

Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.

Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

FREE SHIPPING OVER $99.00!*

$9.95 FLAT RATE FOR LESS THAN $99.00 - CANADA AND LOWER 48 US WIDE!

*EXCEPTIONS:

• Light Bulbs over 36" are shipped at a flat rate of $9.95. No quantity Limit. You can ship one or one hundred bulbs for the same price (valid for both Canada and the US).
• Any heavy or bulky items will incur a 100% charge of the actual shipping cost (valid for both Canada and the US). Heavy bulky items include (but are not limited to): salt, dry rock, sand, chillers, sumps, aquariums, stands, and some filter media.
• Frozen or perishable food can only be shipped via UPS Express. We have discounted the express shipping of these items to help the hobbyist out.
• Livestock is covered by a different shipping policy. To view the policy and further information regarding shipping livestock, click here.

General Notes:

• We always make our best effort to ship your order via the carrier chosen during the check-out process; however, for some multi-piece shipments and/or remote destinations, we must reserve the right to use another carrier at our discretion (and without prior notice). If you require notice of any changes made to the carrier, please mention it in the special instructions during check-out.
• Upon request, we will do our best to ship your dry goods as per your specifications (courier, airlines, on your account, etc.).
• Quoted rates are the carriers live discounted shipping rates after adjusting for any/all shipping promotions.

Aquarium Equipment Returns

• All returns and/or exchanges must be made within 14 days of receipt of product.
• Products may only be returned unused, and in original unopened packaging.
• J&L Aquatics reserves the right to charge a non-refundable 20% restocking charge for any/all returned merchandise (excluding exchanges).
• J&L Aquatics will not be responsible for return shipping charges. Original shipping charges are non-refundable. If the item was originally shipped under our free shipping policy, the cost of doing so will be removed from the credit. Before returning/exchanging any goods, we require that you authorize your return with J&L Aquatics. Any items returned without our authorization will be declined.
• In the event that your order is damaged by the carrier, a claim will be filed with the carrier company. Upon approval of the claim by the carrier, your original order will be re-shipped to you at no additional cost. If you wish to return the damaged goods for a refund or credit, the 20% restocking charge will be applied. J&L Aquatics will not be held responsible for any/all shipping delays that may occur from time to time.
• Special order & sale items are not returnable under any circumstances.
• Dry Good Order cancellations may also be subject to a 20% restocking charge.
• Orders that are returned or refunded when using Affirm or similar financing are subject to a 5% service charge of the original order amount including tax.