White Cheek Tang
(Acanthurus nigricans)
Acanthurus Tangs should be added to aquariums with plenty of swim room and
rockwork for grazing and hiding. Tank size should be considered before purchasing as the adult acanthurus Tangs can become quite large. Also known as surgeon fish because of the sharp spine at the base of their tail. This "scalpel" is used for protection, handle carefully as it is very sharp. Considered reef safe but may pick at small, mobile and sessile invertebrates if not well fed. Provide a varied diet of marine meaty and algae based foods. Acanthurus Tangs have been known to be aggressive towards similarly shaped Tangs.
The White Cheek Tang are also known as the Gold-rimmed Surgeonfish. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. The White Cheek Tang is a very lovely fish with an overall black body, white bar under its eyes, yellow trim on the upper and lower edges of the back portion of its body, yellow caudal peduncle and a white, yellow and blue tail. They can grow to almost 8".
We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 180 gallons or larger for this species.
Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH
- Care: Easy Moderate
- Behavior: Social
- Diet: Flake Food Live Food Herbivore Frozen Food
- Habitat: Reef
- Light: High