Little Shop of Coral
Yellow Belly Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
Yellow Belly Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
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The Yellow Belly Hippo Tang is a stunning variation of the classic “Dory” tang, featuring the same electric blue body and bold black pattern—plus a warmer yellow wash along the belly that really pops under reef lighting. Fast, active, and always on the move, this fish is a standout showpiece for larger reef tanks and mixed communities when given plenty of swimming room and a stable environment.
Why we love it
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Iconic blue + black pattern with a yellow belly twist
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High-energy open-water swimmer that adds constant movement
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Reef safe and typically great in community setups
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Becomes a true centerpiece as it grows
Care & Compatibility
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (usually peaceful; can be pushy with other tangs)
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Omnivore (leans herbivore)
Adult Size: ~10–12"
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons recommended (180g+ ideal long-term)
Feeding
Hippo tangs do best with variety and frequent feeding:
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Nori/seaweed sheets (regularly)
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Spirulina pellets/flakes
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Frozen foods (mysis, brine, quality blends)
Tip: Consistent feeding helps reduce stress and supports immune health.
Tank & Setup Notes
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Needs ample swimming room—this is a high-activity tang
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Provide rockwork for shelter (they love wedging in to sleep)
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Strong flow, high oxygenation, and stable parameters are key
Compatibility Tips
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Generally compatible with most reef fish
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Use caution mixing with other tangs in smaller systems
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Best added once the tank is stable, or introduced carefully with an acclimation box
Acclimation & Health
Hippo tangs can be sensitive to stress and are commonly associated with marine parasites if introduced into unstable systems. A slow acclimation and quarantine (when possible) is strongly recommended for best results.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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