Species FishPalette Tang

Palette Tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

CommonFish
Illustration of Palette Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

The Palette Tang is easily recognized by its striking blue body and yellow tail, often referred to as the 'Blue Tang'. A memorable fact is that it gained fame as 'Dory' in the animated film 'Finding Nemo'.

Habitat
Prefers coral reefs and lagoons.
Diet
Primarily feeds on algae.
How common
Common

Recent Palette Tang sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Palette Tang? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Palette Tang is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

Panamic Fanged Blenny
Panamic Fanged Blenny
Ophioblennius steindachneri
Panamic Sergeant Major
Panamic Sergeant Major
Abudefduf troschelii
Panther Flounder
Panther Flounder
Bothus pantherinus
Peacock Blenny
Peacock Blenny
Salaria pavo
Peacock Damsel
Peacock Damsel
Pomacentrus pavo
Peacock Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Cephalopholis argus
Pearl Cichlid
Pearl Cichlid
Geophagus brasiliensis
Pearly Monocle Bream
Pearly Monocle Bream
Scolopsis margaritifera