Acanthurus coeruleus
Introduction
The Blue Tang is part of the surgeonfish Family and is known by many different names; blue barber, blue doctor, blur tang, yellow barber and yellow doctorfish are a few examples.
Where Will I Find Them?
The Blue Tang can be found in tropical waters between 2 metres and 40 metres, between the latituted of 41 degrees N and 33 degrees S. There are loads of them in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean Sea.
They tend to live in holes and crevices on coral reefs, though the chances of finding a baby one is much less as they spend much of their time hiding from predators.
What Do They Look Like?
At 39cm in length at full maturity and blue colour with curious yellow bits, they are quite easy to recognise. They are flat fish and have a pointed mouth. The most obvious thing about them is the yellow spine at the base of the tale. Young adults may still be more of a yellowy colour, which will darken to a blue as they reach full maturity. At night the Blue Tang shows white stripes.
What Do They Eat?
The Blue Tang only eats algae from rocky areas. The fish is very important when it comes to keeping algae levels under control, which if got out of control, could suffocate corals.
What is Their Usual Behaviour?
They can be found on their own, in pairs or in schools of 10 to 12, although occasionally you might find them in much larger groups.
What is Their Conservation Status?
Not listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
References
www.marinebio.org
“Just keep swimming!” – Dorey
