Whitecheek Tang

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Parasites · Nutritional deficiency

The Whitecheek or Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus) comes from the western Pacific around Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines and grows to about 20 cm. It is identified by the clean white patch below the eye, the orange stripe along the dorsal fin and the yellow band at the tail base. It is regularly confused in shops with Acanthurus nigricans, which is markedly harder to keep, so check that the white cheek patch is broad and clearly defined. Give it 400 litres or more with vigorous flow at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. It grazes constantly and needs dried algae daily, spirulina pellets and some mysis. Be realistic about difficulty: this is an intermediate to advanced fish that arrives thin, is prone to ich and needs to start eating quickly, so buy only a fish you have watched feed in the shop, quarantine it properly, and add it to a mature system with established live rock rather than a new tank.

• How active is a Whitecheek Tang?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Whitecheek Tang need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Whitecheek Tang need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Whitecheek Tang a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Whitecheek Tang live?

  10–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Whitecheek Tang?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Parasites, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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