divepix - Blue Tang

Blue Tang

Aspect:	Generally blue, can vary from very pale blue, through light brown, to dark blue, but always displays a yellow tail blade. Juvenile almost fluorescent yellow overall, then progressively starts to acquire blue tint from the fringe of its fins inwards (see photographs below).
Population:	Regularly abundant.
Notable feature:	Defends itself by swift tail movements to cut aggressor with its tail blades (always yellow contrary to Doctorfish and Ocean Surgeonfish), reputed to be able to cut through a 5mm suit.
Environment:	Usually found in shallow, quiet waters, (but also abundant on well-covered wrecks down to 40 metres) hovering over rocks or coral boulders in search of algae. Solitary or in schools mixing with other surgeonfishes.
Behaviour:	Will usually swim away when approached closer than two metres.