Fauna
Species

Palette Tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

Also known as Blue Tang, Regal Tang, Flagtail Surgeonfish, Palette Surgeonfish

Palette tangs form loose aggregations along current-swept reef crests, grazing on algae and snapping at passing zooplankton. When startled by predators, individuals dive headfirst into branching coral thickets and wedge themselves tightly between coral arms using razor-sharp tail spines. Young fish occasionally lie flat on their sides and feign death until immediate danger passes.

Reef FishHerbivorousTropical
Palette Tang reference
(c) H. Krisp, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFilamentous Algae, Zooplankton, Red Macroalgae
Predators
  • Coral Trout
  • Giant Moray
  • Blacktip Reef Shark
ThreatsCoral bleaching, habitat destruction, and localized overcollection for the aquarium trade
HabitatsClear seaward coral reefs and lagoons with abundant branching corals
Life span15–30 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAcanthuridae
  2. SpeciesParacanthurus hepatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Sharp caudal spines can slash handlers; completely safe to observe at a normal distance while snorkeling or diving.
Responsible observation
  • Diving Observation: Look for them hovering just above branching corals where currents deliver zooplankton.
  • Reef Etiquette: Maintain distance from coral heads to avoid causing sheltering fish to wedge defensively.
Related species
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