Species learning profile
Powder blue tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
Powder blue tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Indian Ocean. Powder-blue sides contrast with a black face and yellow dorsal fin.
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At a glance
- Agua
- Agua salada
- Habitat
- Arrecife
- Longitud máxima
- 23 cm
- Distribución
- Indian Ocean
- Familia
- Acanthuridae
- Orden
- Acanthuriformes
Observe
How to identify Powder blue tang
- Powder-blue sides contrast with a black face and yellow dorsal fin.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Indian Ocean.
- Reported maximum length: 23 cm — roughly ruler-length. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Indian Ocean. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Defends feeding patches but may form schools
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Benthic algae.
Ecological role
An active herbivore on coral reefs.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Powder blue tang puede medir unos 23 cm y suele encontrarse cerca de Arrecife.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Powder blue tang in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections