Is this a Paracanthurus hepatus (blue tang)?

[Oimate84]

Ive always wondered wheter my fish is a Paracanthurus hepatus or another species. Or might this be just an example of how species vary from one another?

Notice the black markings on the Dorsal fin..

 

[Oimate84]

Also the face is covered in black...very unusual

 

[stevebydac]

I took a quick look on Google pics and just looked up "Paracanthurus" but didn't see another related species. Looks like you have a rare color morph. Very cool. Consider yourself lucky. Did you get it that way, or has the color changed?

If you were so inclined, some obsessed aquarists might pay big $$$$$ for a fish like that.

 

[marrone]

That's a Black Hippo tang which usually comes out of Hawaii. In time ti will get all black except for the yellow on the tail and the light blue spot in the middle of the body. The head usually get a redish/black.

Do a search on RC and you'll find a couple.

Nice fish where did you get it?

 

[Oimate84]

thanks, I finally know what it is now...I actually got it from a friend who tore down his tank after it had been "Rita'd" (im from south louisiana)...this fish survived 2 weeks in the tank with a generator running 1 powerhead only..he is tough as nails

 

[Amphiprion]

You will not find other Paracanthurus species because there is only one--hepatus.

 

[AdidaKev]

Wow...awesome fish!