Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Gold Rim Tang or Surgeonfish, also known as the White Cheek Tang, is native to Indonesia. It may be confused slightly with the Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus), however the Gold rim tang is much more dark overall. It has an oval body shape that is a deep brown to black color, with jet black dorsal and anal fins, a reduced white cheek patch just under the eye (compared to a white cheek patch that extends to the mouth in Powder Brown Tangs) and a yellow line along the body that borders the dorsal and anal fins. Like some other tangs and Acanthurus species, the Gold rim 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 Gold rim 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 Gold rim tang long term. The Gold rim 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. Gold rim 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. Gold rim tangs are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up. Typically, Gold rim tangs do not conflict with other tank-mates and aren’t overly territorial in nature. However, a Gold rim tang may act aggressively with other similarily shaped tangs, specifically other Acanthurids. If you want to house various types of tangs with a Gold rim tang, it is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, for the best success. Adding individuals of various sizes, namely larger specimens of the other tangs, may deter the Gold rim tang from harassing them. You could also revert to adding a Gold rim tang last, given that they are one of the more aggressive tangs when it comes to compatability with other tang species. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2-1/2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 4″; Large: 4″ to 5″; XLarge: 5″ to 6″

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