The blue tang is a vivid blue-and-yellow reef fish of the Indo-Pacific. It is one of the best-known fish in the world thanks to its starring role in animated films.
Interesting facts
- Blue tangs have sharp, scalpel-like spines near their tails, which is why they are called surgeonfish.
- When threatened, they wedge themselves into coral and may lie on their side as if dead.
- Young blue tangs are bright yellow with blue spots.
- Their colour can change with mood and stress.
- Scientists first bred blue tangs in captivity in 2016.
- They help keep reefs healthy by eating algae.
Behaviour
Blue tangs live in small groups near branching corals, where they shelter. They feed on plankton in the water column.
Breeding and young
Groups spawn together, releasing eggs and sperm into the water. The larvae drift in the plankton before settling on reefs.
Threats and conservation
Collection for the aquarium trade and the decline of coral reefs.
Where to see it
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- The Philippines
- The Maldives
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
