Anyone familiar with the Walt Disney movie “Finding Nobody” will immediately recognize Blue Tang. A venerable character named ‘Dory’ was called the Blue Tang by actor Ellen Degeneres.
This fish is also known as King Tang, Blue Surgeon Fish, Palette Surgeon Fish, Hippo Tang, Pacific Tang. It can be found in the clear warm waters of the western Atlantic Ocean near coral reefs. The range of this fish extends from the North American coast through Bermuda and the Gulf of Mexico and has been found as far south as Brazil and the Caribbean Sea. It is a favorite for scuba divers and snorkelers because it is easy. identifiable and beautiful watcher in natural lives. Blue Tang can be found at depths of five to 120 feet. Commercial fish are generally not counted as they are not usually fished on a large basis. They are also not considered game fishers as most fishers do not chase them. The flesh of this fish tastes bad and some people think it is harmful, although the bait is used because of its strong smell. .
Paracanthurus Hepatis is very common in salt aquariums. It can be identified by its vivid colors and distinctive shape. Blue Tang are usually between 8 and 12 inches long with a short, compressed, ovoid, saucer-like body. His eyes are round and sit high on his head. has a small mouth located in the body. Adults range in color from light purple to blue, and are distinguished by a bright yellow spine, called the caudal spine, which lies horizontally around the tail fan. This caudal spine resembles a scalpel, hence the surgeonfish moniker.
The younger Tang has the same shape as the adults, but generally has a bright yellow body with blue-tinged fins and blue peri-orbital circles. When they mature they turn their scales blue and sport black or dark purple markings or streaks starting from their eyes and extending through their dorsal fin to beautiful fish and real treats as they swim gracefully through the water. But woe betide the unwary who tries to handle Tang without caution, the sharp caudal fins can inflict serious lacerations which can become infected if not properly cared for< /a>. The fish is not aggressive and this is just a defensive reflex against predators.
Due to its algae diet, the Blue Tang species is considered important for increased algae control. This helps prevent the suffocation of coral reefs, which many scientists consider to be of great ecological importance.
Next time you watch “Nobody” you’ll be able to find the amazing Blue Tang.
