Hippo Tang care

Paracanthurus hepatus · Saltwater · Advanced level care

A stunning blue fish that needs a very large tank and swimming room.

Smallest tank180 gallons

Adult size10 inches

Temperature75 to 80°F

pH8.1 to 8.4

GroupFine on its own

TemperamentSemi aggressive

SwimsAll levels

Lives10 to 20 years

Watch for: Prone to ich in small tanks. Needs 180 gallons or more and good water quality.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Nori sheets, spirulina pellets, marine algae, mysis.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Hippo Tang in a 360 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Bicolor Blenny Blue Devil Damselfish Clark's Clownfish Domino Damselfish Midas Blenny Ocellaris Clownfish Orchid Dottyback Percula Clownfish Royal Gramma Six Line Wrasse

Questions

What size tank does a Hippo Tang need?

At least 180 gallons. Adults grow to about 10 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Hippo Tang like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Hippo Tang should I keep together?

One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.

What do Hippo Tang eat?

Nori sheets, spirulina pellets, marine algae, mysis. Feed twice a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.