Blue Tang

Blue Tang, Juvenile, At Night

The Blue Tang has a bright blue flattened, oval-shaped body. A sharp, yellow spine is located on each side near the base of its tail. Its fins are also bright blue, and a vibrant blue line runs along the edges of its dorsal and anal fins. Juveniles are a bright yellow color, sometimes with faint dark bands on their bodies. In between these two stages, intermediates have a blue head and body that transitions into a yellow tail.

The Blue Tang eats algae, which helps prevent the algae from overgrowing and harming corals. It can be seen alone, but often gathers in large groups to feed on algae. These groups sometimes include other species, such as the Ocean Surgeonfish and Doctorfish. When threatened by predators, the Blue Tang may lie on its side and stay still to pretend to be dead. It reproduces by gathering in groups and releasing eggs and sperm into the water.