Regal Tang Paracanthurus hepatus

The Regal Tang, also called Palette Surgeonfish (after the black palette design of its markings), is native to tropical reefs of the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Many tangs have a different common name as surgeonfish and the Regal Tang has more than most, called also the Hippo Tang, the Blue Tang/Surgeonfish (confusing with the Atlantic Blue Tang), the Royal/Pacific Blue and the Flagtail.

It is the only species in its genus. Regal Tangs from the African side of the Indian Ocean tend to have yellow bellies while those from the Pacific tend to have a wholly blue background.

It can grow to some 30 cm (one foot) long. Their colour lightens to a paler blue after spawning in the second half of the day.

Diet is plankton and reef algae (the latter important for maintaining reef health).

Dory visits Nemo's family.