Kessil

Wow

His wording does make it sound that way. Seems like a lot of the unusually colored tangs wind up looking more normal after awhile in captivity. Like some of the white yellow tangs etc... this one seems different tho. Almost like a hybrid between black and blue tangs...although I don't know that that is possible or not? Looks super cool!
 
Doubtful that it's a hybrid between those two species. Black tangs, Zebrasoma rostratum, and blue tangs, Paracanthurus hepatus, are from different genus and do not share the same body shape. Most hybrids are from the same genus.

It'll be interesting to see how this fish grows up over time.
 
I would guess it’s a mutation in a developmental control gene that influences color pattern. Possibly stable and heritable, would be interesting if it were. Otherwise just a rare mutant.
 
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