Paracanthurus hepatus

Paracanthurus hepatus

Taxobox
name = Regal Tang


image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Acanthuridae
genus = "Paracanthurus"
genus_authority = Bleeker, 1863
species = "P. hepatus"
binomial = "Paracanthurus hepatus"
binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1766)

"Paracanthurus hepatus", commonly known as the regal tang, is an average-sized colorful reef fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae.. A popular fish in marine aquaria, it is the only member of the genus "Paracanthurus".FishBase species | genus = Paracanthurus | species = hepatus | month = March| year = 2007] ITIS|ID=172320|taxon=Paracanthurus hepatus|year=2007|date=21 March] A number of common names has been attributed to the species, including but not limited to palette surgeonfish, blue tang (leading to easy confusion with the Atlantic "Acanthurus coeruleus"), hippo tang, flagtail surgeonfish and the blue surgeonfish.

Anatomy and morphology

"Paracanthurus hepatus" has a royal blue body, yellow tail, and black 'palette' design. The lower part of the body is yellow in the west-central Indian Ocean.Debelius, H. 1993. "Indian Ocean Tropical Fish Guide." Aquaprint Verlags GmbH. ISBN 3927991015] It grows to a maximum length of about 31 cm (12.25 in.).

Distribution

The species' range varies widely and can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is seen around the reefs of East Africa, Japan, Samoa, New Caledonia, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Ecology and life history

Its natural diet consists of marine algae, brine shrimp, seaweeds and other small micro organisms.

Life history

Spawning occurs during late afternoon and evening hours. This event is indicated by a change in color from a uniform dark blue to a pale blue anterior and dark blue posterior. Males aggressively court female members of the school, leading to a quick upward spawning rush toward the surface of the water during which eggs and sperm are released. The eggs are small, approximately 0.8mm in diameter. The eggs are pelagic, each containing a single droplet of oil for flotation. The fertilized eggs hatch in twenty-four hours, revealing small, translucent larvae with silvery abdomens and rudimentary caudal spines.The newly hatched larvae are referred to as acronurus because they were once thought to represent a separate genus of fish, "Acronurus". The acronurus is diamond-shaped and laterally compressed, with a head shaped like a triangle. It has large eyes and prominent pectoral fins, and vertical ridges on the body. The dorsal fins, anal fins, and scales begin to develop when the acronurus reaches 2-6 mm in length. The caudal spine does not appear until the acronurus reaches about 13 mm in length. Late post-acronurus drift inshore, where they metamorphose into juveniles. The acronurus lose their silver color and turn brown, and their profiles become round. The prominent dorsal and anal spines that are characteristic of the acronurus reduce, and the snout elongates. Complete metamorphosis takes about a week, after which two-inch long juveniles settle onto the bottom of a suitable inshore habitat.

Importance to humans

The blue tang is of minor commercial fisheries importance, however it is occasionally utilized as a bait fish. The flesh has a strong odor and is not highly prized. This fish may cause ciguatera poisoning if consumed by humans. However, blue tangs are collected commercially for the aquarium trade. An unwary human who tries to handle the blue tang risks the chances of being badly cut by the caudal spine. These spines, on both sides of the caudal peduncle, are extended from the body when the fish becomes excited. The quick, thrashing sideways motion of the tail can produce deep wounds that result in swelling and discoloration, posing a high risk of infection. The pain can last for hours, until eventually subsiding into a dull ache. It is believed that some species of Acanthurus have venom glands while others do not. The spines are used only as a method of protection against aggressors. Having one in an aquarium and cornering it will most likely result in injury.Fact|date=March 2007

Aquarium life

The hippo tang is found readily in most aquarium stores. They require an aquarium of at least 90 gallons, but preferably a 125+ gallon tank. They will eat algae, nori sheets, and most frozen fish food. As with most tangs, having more than one in a small aquarium can cause stress, which can lead to turf wars, stress, and sickness.

Conservation

The blue tang has not been evaluated by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), but is considered to be of low vulnerability.

In popular culture

Dory is a Regal Tang suffering from short-term memory loss in the 2003 Pixar / Disney film, "Finding Nemo," and was voiced by comedian and day time talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. In the movie, Dory was the sidekick to Marlin, an Ocellaris clownfish.

Bibliography

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References

External links

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