Blue Hippo tangs and DT size

[kdx7214]

Over the last 20 years I've seen comments all over the place on these fish. I am fully aware that they can grow to 18" in size, however I've also personally seen numerous tanks (at least 15, maybe more) that have small hippo tangs that are over 6 years old and did not outgrow the tank. So, is there any specific evidence that they will or will not outgrow a tank?

My tank doesn't have sufficient room for one so I don't plan to get one, but am trying to plan for a bigger tank down the road.

 

[blaxsun]

You probably want at least 80 gallons for the display, and then get the smallest Dory you can find. It will probably be good for 5-6 years before you need to look at re-homeimg (maybe longer).

 

[nereefpat]

18"!? The max size from the literature is closer to 12" total length. I agree that some specimens get big, but some stop at about 1/2 that. Expecting an 8"+ fish is reasonable.

I usually tell people somewhere in the standard 6*2*2 180 gallon range, if you are talking about a forever home.

 

[Lavey29]

I think it depends on tank shape also. Longer more shallow tank is better then a cube tank of the same displacement.

 

[Gill the 3rd]

I think it depends on tank shape also. Longer more shallow tank is better then a cube tank of the same displacement.

I agree. From my understanding, Blue Hippos swim miles a day in the ocean. The longer the tank the better. At a minimum I would look at a 6' long tank. I keep mine in a 10' long. I always thought they maxed out in size the 8-10" range.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Over the last 20 years I've seen comments all over the place on these fish. I am fully aware that they can grow to 18" in size, however I've also personally seen numerous tanks (at least 15, maybe more) that have small hippo tangs that are over 6 years old and did not outgrow the tank. So, is there any specific evidence that they will or will not outgrow a tank?

My tank doesn't have sufficient room for one so I don't plan to get one, but am trying to plan for a bigger tank down the road.

Maximum size for hepatus tangs in the wild is 12". Most fish do not reach 80% of the wild max size, so 10".

If you want to take a deep dive into this question, I posted my tank size calculator here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/estimating-the-need-for-swimming-space-for-aquarium-fishes.801/
Jay