Acanthurus fowleri

Datasheet

General Description

The Fowleri Tang, scientifically known as Acanthurus fowleri, belongs to the Acanthuridae family of Surgeonfish. These fish are native to the Western Pacific region, specifically found in areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and off northwestern Australia. A distinctive feature of the Fowleri Tang is its ability to mimic various Angelfish as juveniles, providing them with an advantage against predatory fish.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums, the Fowleri Tang requires careful attention to tank size, surroundings, and water quality. These fish prefer a well-established aquarium with ample space for swimming and hiding places, especially when newly introduced. As algae eaters, their diet should primarily consist of algae-based foods to maintain a healthy immune system.

Care and Hardiness

The Fowleri Tang is characterized by its average hardiness level, thriving in water conditions with a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH of 8.1-8.4, and salinity of 1.020-1.025. They benefit from a diet rich in macroalgae like seaweed and microalgae such as spirulina. To ensure their well-being, it is essential to provide a variety of frozen foods and supplement with algae-enriched options.

Reef Suitability

Known for their reef compatibility, Fowleri Tangs are considered reef-safe and rarely cause disturbances to corals or invertebrates in the aquarium. However, they may exhibit aggression towards similar species when multiple Fowleri Tangs are present in the same tank, emphasizing the importance of introducing them strategically to establish a hierarchy.

Aquarium Setup

For housing Fowleri Tangs, a minimum tank size of 1500 litres is recommended due to their active swimming behavior and territorial tendencies. Setting up the aquarium with plenty of live rocks and hiding spots ensures a suitable environment for these fish to thrive. Maintaining a well-run aquarium with sufficient algae growth on rocks and stones is crucial for their grazing habits.

Behaviour

In an aquarium setting, Fowleri Tangs are known to spend their time swimming around and nibbling on algae from surfaces. They are generally not aggressive towards other fish species but may exhibit territorial behavior when housed with conspecifics. Ensuring a peaceful cohabitation among different fish genera is vital to minimize potential conflicts.

Feeding and Diet

A diverse diet is essential for the Fowleri Tang, consisting of algae-based foods like Nori seaweed and supplemented with plant-based fish flakes or Spirulina. Regular feeding and ensuring adequate algae levels in the aquarium are crucial to meeting their dietary requirements and promoting overall health.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Information about dimorphism and captive reproduction of the Fowleri Tang species is not specified. However, these fish are known for their unique characteristics as juveniles, mimicking Angelfish for protection against predators in their natural habitat.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the Western Pacific region, Fowleri Tangs are commonly found in the waters of countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and off the northwestern coast of Australia. They inhabit areas with diverse marine life and are known for their algae-eating habits and distinctive mimicry behavior as juveniles.