Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Powder Brown Tang or Surgeonfish, also known as the White-faced Surgeonfish, is native to the Philippines and is the earthtone colored counterpart of the Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon). It has an oval body shape that is a rich brown color, with jet black dorsal and anal fins, a white cheek patch and a yellow line along the body that borders the dorsal and anal fins in a shape that resembles a wishbone. Like some other tangs and Acanthurus species, the Powder brown tang is more susceptible to ich and other skin parasites. We recommend quarantining tangs to ensure they do not introduce such parasites into a main display aquarium. Note: All of our Powder brown tangs are quarantined and treated accordingly for 28 days to prevent ich and ensure you’re receiving a healthy specimen. Maintaining extra high quality water parameters will also keep your aquarium’s environment optimal and in turn, a happy and healthy Powder brown tang long term. The Powder brown tang can reach a size of approximately 8″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild tangs are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, immune function, and reduce aggression. If not, tangs often develop head and lateral line erosion from such deficiencies. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Powder brown tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. This tang enjoys a variety of rock work to graze on and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Powder brown tangs are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up. Typically, Powder brown tangs do not conflict with other tank-mates and aren’t overly territorial in nature. However, a Powder brown tang may act aggressively with other similarily shaped tangs. If you want to house various types of tangs with a Powder brown tang, especially multiple Acanthurus species, it is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, for the best success. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2-1/4″ to 3″; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4-1/2″; Large: 4-3/4″ to 6″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.