Acanthurus nigricans

Datasheet

General Description

The Whitecheek Tang, also known as Acanthurus nigricans, is a species belonging to the Acanthuridae family. These surgeonfish are recognizable by their striking white cheek markings and are commonly referred to by various names, including "Velvet surgeonfish," "White-cheeked surgeonfish," "Whitecheek surgeonfish," "Yellowrimmed surgeonfish," and "Gold-rim tang."

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums, the Whitecheek Tang requires careful attention due to their delicate nature and specific demands. They should be housed in tanks with a minimum capacity of 700 litres and provided with plenty of space for swimming and hiding places, especially when initially introduced. These fish are herbivores, primarily feeding on small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, and rely on algae-based diets to maintain their health.

Care and Hardiness

Whitecheek Tangs are delicate in terms of hardiness and are known to be sensitive during transportation and acclimatization to aquarium conditions. They thrive in well-established tanks with ample algae growth on rocks and stones, which can be supplemented with algae-rich foods like seaweed or spirulina. Additionally, they should not be housed with aggressive tank mates to prevent stress-related health issues.

Reef Suitability

Always considered reef safe, Whitecheek Tangs are compatible with coral aquariums as they help control algae levels. These surgeonfish rarely bother corals or invertebrates, although larger, more aggressive tang species like Palettes/Blue tangs could potentially pose a challenge.

Aquarium Setup

To set up an ideal environment for Whitecheek Tangs, ensure the tank has appropriate water conditions with a pH level of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C. Providing a diverse diet of macroalgae like seaweed or nori, along with microalgae such as spirulina, is crucial for their health and well-being.

Behaviour

In aquarium settings, these surgeonfish spend most of their time swimming around and grazing on algae-covered surfaces. When kept with other Whitecheek Tangs or different tang species, they establish a hierarchy, with more aggressive individuals tending to dominate. It is advisable to add the most aggressive tang species last and provide sufficient hiding spots to prevent conflict.

Feeding and Diet

Whitecheek Tangs primarily feed on algae-based foods, maintaining their immune system and overall health. While they enjoy various frozen foods, ensuring they have a balanced diet rich in algae is essential. Plant-based fish flakes, Nori seaweed, or similar options can supplement their dietary requirements.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the Eastern Indian Ocean, specifically the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Christmas Island, as well as various locations in the Pacific Ocean from the Ryukyu Islands to the Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia, Whitecheek Tangs prefer habitats with abundant algae growth. They are known to thrive in coral-rich environments where they can graze on algae and contribute to the ecosystem's balance.