What is this fish!?

[tyler1503]

Now I'm not one for naming every different colour variety of each species of fish a different common name, but it does make looking for that special fish a lot easier. So I was hoping this hippo tang variant may have a common name (other than hippo/blue tang :P) that someone would be willing to share? Thanks.

 

[specvjeff]

A Hippo Tang with too much black.

 

[PlumCrazy]

A Hippo Tang with too much black.

could have been malnourished or improper water conditions younger... but definitely a Hippo Tang

 

[tyler1503]

I know it's a hippo tang, but I was hoping this particular variant has a different common name so I could possibly track one down.
It's in Sydney Aquariums Great Barrier Reef display so I wouldn't think it's malnourished or not in ideal conditions. All the other fish, corals and inverts look incredible.
Also, is it actually possible that malnourishment or bad water quality can cause a change in skin pigment? Wouldn't that mean lots of fish in the hobby (particularly those from less than trustworthy pet shops) be different colours than usual?

 

[specvjeff]

My comment was mainly for humor.

 

[Mtnbikedan01]

Not sure of a name for you but I've seen one in a Florida reef shop.

 

[Marshall O]

I'm not sure if there is a name for it. Seems to be a genetic mutation, although they usually go back to normal blue colors once fully grown.

 

[tyler1503]

They have 2 of them at Sydney aquarium. Awesome looking fish! Too bad I can't find a common name.
Their ones were pretty big but not quite fully grown, about 8-9 inches. It'd be awesome to find a fully black one.

 

[Rutrag]

I know a local reefer who has one like that he calls a "bandit hippo tang."