White-cheek Tang (Acanthurus japonicus) Care Guide
Acanthurus japonicus is an Indo-West Pacific surgeonfish with a white face band and orange dorsal stripe, grazing algae on clear lagoon and seaward reefs.
Overview
Acanthurus japonicus, the white-cheek or white-faced surgeonfish, is an Indo-West Pacific tang of the family Acanthuridae. It has a dark body, a distinctive white band from the lower eye to the upper lip, a bright orange band in the soft dorsal fin, a yellow caudal peduncle shading to black, and yellow pectoral fin bases.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Acanthurus
- Scientific name: Acanthurus japonicus
Habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-West Pacific from Sulawesi (Indonesia) to the Philippines and the Ryukyu Islands. It is reef-associated, found in clear lagoon and seaward reefs, usually in shallow exposed areas at depths of 1-20 m, typically 5-15 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Water flow: high
- Adult size: up to about 23 cm
- Lifespan: 10-25 years
Diet
This is a herbivore that feeds on algae. In the aquarium it requires plentiful algae or dried marine algae offered several times daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive, especially toward other tangs. It can be kept with wrasses, clownfish, angelfish and sturdy triggers. Other tangs, particularly those of similar shape, should be avoided in smaller tanks. It occurs in small to large aggregations and is sometimes solitary in the wild.
Reef compatibility
The white-cheek tang is reef-safe and grazes algae. It needs a spacious reef aquarium with strong flow.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.