{"product_id":"powder-brown-tang-acanthurus-japonicus-saltwater","title":"Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E0F7FA;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePowder Brown Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAcanthurus japonicus\u003c\/em\u003e) is the best looking of the brown surgeonfish and the easiest of the group to keep. A warm tan body carries a clean white mask across the cheek, a bright orange streak runs the length of the rear dorsal fin, and the whole outline is traced in yellow and white, finishing in a crisp white-edged tail. It is an active, constantly grazing reef fish that earns its keep on algae. Reef safe with corals and inverts, but it needs real swimming room and a serious commitment to greens. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/salt-water\"\u003esaltwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to round out the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#FFF8E1;border-left:4px solid #F9A825;padding:10px 14px;margin:14px 0;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuarantine this fish before it goes in your display.\u003c\/strong\u003e Powder tangs are notorious ich magnets, and this is the single most common way people lose one. Run it through a proper quarantine period in its own tank, watch it eat, and only then move it into the reef. Skipping that step with an \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e is a gamble that does not usually pay off.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eChoose Your Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;background:#E0F7FA;text-align:left;\"\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;background:#E0F7FA;text-align:left;\"\u003eRoughly\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;background:#E0F7FA;text-align:left;\"\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSmall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e1.5 to 2 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAdapts fastest, but the least margin for error. Needs food available constantly.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMedium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e2.5 to 3.5 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eThe sweet spot. Sturdy enough to handle the move, young enough to settle easily.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMedium-Large\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e3.5 to 4.5 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFull color and confidence. Good choice for a tank that already has fish.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eLarge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e4.5 to 5.5 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSubstantial fish. Wants a large system and will hold its own territory.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eX-Large\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5.5 in and up\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eNear adult. Takes longer to settle into a new tank and needs the most space.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.95em;\"\u003eSizes are approximate and stock rotates. If a size shows as unavailable, ask us when the next one is expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 gallons or larger. This is not a fish that can be talked into a smaller box. Adults reach eight inches and swim continuously, so length matters more than volume on paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72 to 78°F, pH 8.1 to 8.4, salinity 1.020 to 1.026. Tangs are sensitive to swings, so steady beats perfect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e herbivore first. Offer dried seaweed on a clip every day or close to it, backed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/vitalis-marine-grazing-pellets-saltwater-fish-food\"\u003emarine grazing pellets\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ocean-nutrition-spirulina-flake-food\"\u003espirulina flake\u003c\/a\u003e. Meaty food a couple of times a week is fine as a supplement, never as the base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnderfeeding shows.\u003c\/strong\u003e A tang kept on a thin, meat-heavy diet gets hollow behind the eyes and can develop head and lateral line erosion. Plenty of greens plus good water quality is the prevention, and it is much easier than the cure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow and oxygen:\u003c\/strong\u003e they come from surge zones. Strong flow and good surface agitation suit them well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e open water down the middle with rockwork it can graze and a crevice to wedge into at night.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle with care:\u003c\/strong\u003e the scalpel at the base of the tail is sharp and will slice a net. Use a container rather than a net when you move it, for your sake and its.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcanthurus japonicus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePowder Brown Tang, Japan Surgeonfish, White-faced Surgeonfish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSemi-aggressive, territorial toward other tangs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 8 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e125 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e72 to 78°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e1.020 to 1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eHerbivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eWestern Pacific: Philippines, Indonesia, southern Japan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine with most non-tang fish and completely safe with corals and inverts. Good company includes the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ocellaris-clownfish-amphiprion-ocellaris-saltwater\"\u003eOcellaris Clownfish\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/banggai-cardinalfish-pterapogon-kauderni-saltwater\"\u003eBanggai Cardinalfish\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/blue-green-chromis-chromis-viridis-saltwater\"\u003eBlue Green Chromis\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/royal-gramma-gramma-loreto-saltwater\"\u003eRoyal Gramma\u003c\/a\u003e, and cleanup crew inverts like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/scarlet-skunk-cleaner-shrimp-lysmata-amboinensis-saltwater\"\u003eScarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe trouble is other tangs, especially anything with a similar body shape or another \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e. One tang per tank is the safe rule unless the system is very large and everyone goes in at once. Adding a second tang later, to an established one, is how fights start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparing the surgeonfish? The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/powder-blue-tang-acanthurus-leucosternon-saltwater\"\u003ePowder Blue Tang\u003c\/a\u003e is the close relative and the showier fish, though a good deal more demanding. For a smaller, gentler option try the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/flame-fin-tomini-tang-ctenochaetus-tominiensis-saltwater\"\u003eFlame Fin Tomini Tang\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/mimic-eibli-tang-acanthurus-pyroferus-saltwater\"\u003eMimic Eibli Tang\u003c\/a\u003e, and for the hardiest starting point of the group, the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/scopas-tang-zebrasoma-scopas-saltwater\"\u003eScopas Tang\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/rods-food-leafy-purple-seaweed-30g-tang-food\"\u003eRod's Food Leafy Purple Seaweed\u003c\/a\u003e daily grazing sheet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/rods-food-three-weed-blend-30g-seaweed-tangs\"\u003eRod's Food Three Weed Blend\u003c\/a\u003e for variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/vitalis-marine-grazing-pellets-saltwater-fish-food\"\u003eVitalis Marine Grazing Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/two-little-fishies-veggiemag-magnetic-seaweed-clip\"\u003eTwo Little Fishies VeggieMag\u003c\/a\u003e magnetic seaweed clip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/vitalis-universal-grazing-station-feeder\"\u003eVitalis Universal Grazing Station\u003c\/a\u003e for continuous feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/saltwater-refractometer-hard-case-atc-salinity-tester\"\u003eSaltwater Refractometer\u003c\/a\u003e for accurate salinity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this the same as a Gold Rim or Whitecheek Tang?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, and the difference matters. The Gold Rim or Whitecheek Tang is \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus nigricans\u003c\/em\u003e, a related fish with a much worse survival record in aquariums. Ours is \u003cem\u003eA. japonicus\u003c\/em\u003e, the hardier of the pair. Tell them apart by the face: on \u003cem\u003ejaponicus\u003c\/em\u003e the white cheek patch runs from under the eye all the way down to the mouth, and the rear dorsal fin carries a bold orange streak. On \u003cem\u003enigricans\u003c\/em\u003e the white patch is a smaller oval that stops short of the mouth. Shops mix the two names up constantly, so check the fish, not the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I really need 125 gallons?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor an adult, yes. They grow to eight inches and cruise all day, and a cramped tang gets stressed, then aggressive, then sick. A small one can start in something smaller, but only if the bigger tank is genuinely coming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep it with my other tang?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnly in a large system, and ideally by adding both at the same time. Two tangs of similar shape in a modest tank will fight, and this species is territorial with its own kind in particular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is everyone so worried about ich with these?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePowder tangs carry very little natural resistance and are frequently stressed by collection and shipping, which is exactly when ich takes hold. That is why quarantine before the display tank is not optional advice with this fish. Once it is settled, eating well, and living in stable water, it is a durable long-term reef fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it eat my corals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. It grazes algae off rock and glass and leaves corals and inverts alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":48588201132251,"sku":"1315337","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":48588201165019,"sku":"1315338","price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium-Large","offer_id":48588201197787,"sku":"1315339","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":48588201230555,"sku":"1315340","price":94.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":48588201263323,"sku":"1315341","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/55be3e58-c194-479b-9408-96b40ee2512f.png?v=1787699411","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/powder-brown-tang-acanthurus-japonicus-saltwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}