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About Yellow Belly Blue Tang

The Yellow Belly Blue Tang is a striking surgeonfish known for its blue body, vibrant yellow belly and yellow highlights around the fins. Its bold colouration and active swimming behaviour make it an impressive addition to a large marine or reef aquarium.

This species is an active grazer that spends much of its time exploring rockwork and searching for algae. A mature aquarium with plenty of established live rock provides valuable natural grazing opportunities.

Yellow Belly Blue Tangs are generally peaceful towards many community fish but can become territorial towards other surgeonfish, particularly similar-shaped tangs. Plenty of swimming space and carefully planned aquascaping are important.

They are primarily herbivorous and should receive a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter, including nori, algae-based pellets and other herbivore foods. A varied diet helps maintain their colour, body condition and long-term health.

They are generally reef safe and will normally leave corals alone.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Acanthurus coeruleus
Common Name: Yellow Belly Blue Tang / Atlantic Blue Tang
Family: Acanthuridae
Type: Marine Fish / Surgeonfish
Adult Size: Up to approximately 30 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Territorial
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 450 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Herbivore
Tank Level: All Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Large mature reef aquariums and marine systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Yellow Belly Blue Tang get?

They can reach approximately 30 cm, so a large aquarium with substantial swimming space is required for long-term care.

Are Yellow Belly Blue Tangs reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and are commonly kept in coral reef aquariums.

What do Yellow Belly Blue Tangs eat?

They are primarily herbivorous. Provide nori, marine algae, Spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore pellets, supplemented with other suitable marine foods.

Can Yellow Belly Blue Tangs be kept with other tangs?

They can become territorial towards other surgeonfish, especially similar-shaped species. A large aquarium and careful stocking are important.

Do they need live rock?

Yes. Mature live rock provides natural algae and biofilm for grazing, as well as shelter and exploration areas.

Common Mistakes

Buying one without planning for its adult size
These fish can grow to around 30 cm and require substantial swimming space.

Not providing enough algae-based food
Natural grazing should be supplemented with regular marine algae and vegetable foods.

Keeping multiple tangs in insufficient space
Territorial behaviour can become significant between surgeonfish.

Adding one to an immature aquarium
A mature system with established biological filtration and natural grazing surfaces is preferable.

Poor water quality
Maintain excellent filtration, oxygenation and stable marine parameters.