{"product_id":"powder-blue-tang-acanthurus-leucosternon","title":"Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Powder Blue Tang is one of the most breathtaking fish in the saltwater hobby. That vivid sky-blue body, bold black face mask, crisp white chest, and electric yellow dorsal fin combine into a colour palette that looks almost too good to be real under reef lighting. It is widely recognized even among non-hobbyists, and for many reefers it represents a long-held bucket list fish. It earns its reputation as a challenging species, but in a mature, well-run system with proper preparation, the Powder Blue Tang is one of the most rewarding animals you can keep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy we love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArguably the most visually striking tang in the hobby, a genuine showpiece fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive, constant grazer that helps manage algae in large reef systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBold personality with serious display presence throughout the water column\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidely distributed throughout the Indian Ocean, from the Maldives and Sri Lanka to the East African coastline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully reef safe with corals and invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuggested parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalinity: 1.025 to 1.026 SG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 8.1 to 8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium: 400 to 450 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagnesium: 1250 to 1400 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrate: Under 20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust water circulation with high dissolved oxygen levels and turbulent flow is required; strong surface agitation for gas exchange is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty: Moderate to advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Peaceful with most tankmates; extremely territorial toward other tangs and surgeonfish; should be the only tang in the system unless the aquarium is 200 gallons or larger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef safe: Yes (will not bother corals, clams, or ornamental invertebrates)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum tank size: 125 gallons; larger systems strongly preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe system should be mature for at least six months prior to introduction so parameters are stable and a steady crop of algae is available for grazing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Powder Blue Tang is a dedicated herbivore and an algae-first diet is non-negotiable for long-term health, colour, and immune function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNori and dried seaweed sheets on a clip (daily or near-daily is ideal)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina-based pellets and flakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen herbivore blends and mysis shrimp for variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegular seaweed offerings strengthen the immune system, reduce aggression, and enhance overall health\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoods soaked in a vitamin supplement such as Selcon or garlic are highly recommended to support immune function and parasite resistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed small amounts multiple times per day to replicate natural grazing behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful and excellent with clownfish, angelfish, wrasses, gobies, dottybacks, and most reef fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressively defends territory against other surgeonfish and tangs; best kept individually unless the system is very large\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduce the Powder Blue Tang last, after all other tankmates are established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid aggressive triggerfish and dominant tang species that may bully or compete\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA tight-fitting lid is recommended, as tangs can jump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHealth and acclimation notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the most important section for this species. The Powder Blue Tang has a thinner slime coat than many other marine fish, making it notably more vulnerable to parasitic infections. New specimens will frequently contract marine ich within two to ten days of introduction if not properly quarantined. A quarantine period in a sufficiently large, mature quarantine system is strongly advised, and a freshwater dip before quarantine introduction is a sensible hedge against ectoparasites. Copper-based medications are generally well tolerated. Do not skip quarantine with this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will receive: 1 Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour intensity and size can vary between individuals and typically deepens and strengthens with maturity and a strong diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlow acclimation is strongly recommended. Quarantine before introduction to your display is not just encouraged for this species, it is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Little Shop of Coral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53575150108945,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/5196\/6737\/files\/ACANTHURUSLEUCOSTERNONPOWDERBLUETANG.png?v=1779224355","url":"https:\/\/littleshopofcoral.ca\/products\/powder-blue-tang-acanthurus-leucosternon","provider":"Little Shop of Coral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}