Description

🐟 Powder Brown Tang Description:

• Scientific Name: Acanthurus japonicus

• Common Names: Powder Brown Tang, Whitecheek Surgeonfish, Powder Brown Surgeonfish

• Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia, Japan, Philippines)

• Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)

• Coloration:

  • Rich dark brown body

  • Distinct white patch in front of the eyes

  • Bright orange stripe near the dorsal and anal fins

  • Yellow dorsal fin and white tail

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (especially toward other tangs)

• Lifespan: 5–10 years with excellent care

🧪 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

• Water Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH Level: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH

• Aquascape: Lots of swimming space with live rock for grazing

🥬 Diet:

• Herbivorous:

  • Dried nori (seaweed) on a clip

  • Spirulina flakes or pellets

  • Grazes on film algae and macroalgae

  • Can also eat mysis and brine shrimp, but plant matter is essential

Feed at least twice daily to prevent aggression and maintain health.

🤝 Compatibility:

• Reef Safe: Yes – completely safe with corals and invertebrates

• Tankmates:

  • Compatible with peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish

  • Can be territorial toward other tangs, especially those with similar body shapes (e.g., Powder Blue, Whitecheek)

  • Best kept as the only tang unless the tank is very large (200+ gallons)

⚠️ Care Considerations:

• Prone to Marine Ich and Velvet – quarantine and stress-free acclimation are crucial

• Needs high water quality and well-oxygenated, stable conditions

• Sensitive to transport and environmental changes

• Benefits from UV sterilizers and garlic-enhanced foods to boost immune function

📝 Summary: