White Cheek Tang

White Cheek Tang (Acanthurus nigricans) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe as it poses no threat to corals or most invertebrates, focusing primarily on algae grazing. This elegant species displays a dark brown to black body with distinctive bright white patches on the cheek area that give it its common name, creating a striking facial accent, plus the characteristic sharp spine (scalpel) at the base of the tail. The prominent white cheek markings against the dark body make it instantly recognizable and one of the most distinctively marked tangs in the aquarium trade. It can reach about 8 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 75 gallons or more due to their active swimming nature and territorial behavior toward other tangs, with plenty of live rock for grazing, strong water flow, excellent water quality, and appreciation for their generally hardy nature that makes them suitable for aquarists seeking a reliable tang with unique facial markings. Its diet should include a mix of marine algae—nori sheets, spirulina, dried seaweed, algae pellets—as well as high-quality herbivore foods and occasional meaty supplements like mysis shrimp, as this primarily herbivorous species requires constant access to plant matter and benefits from varied nutrition to maintain optimal health and enhance the contrast of their distinctive white cheek patches.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.