Powder Brown/White Cheek Tangs

[Debbie64]

I've seen quite a bit of back and forth about the differences and adaptability of Acanthurus japonicus and A. nigricans. I know they're often confused and one is sometimes sold as the other. I'm still not sure which common name is for which.

From what I gather, japonicus is the more adaptable of the two and it is distinguished by a more pronounced white cheek and a orange-ish stripe on it's dorsal fin. What I have not been able to discern, though, is the body color. I get that it has to be called powder brown for a reason, but I've seen it described as having a dark purple-ish body and I've seen pics of both japonicus and nigricans with a dark blue/purple color as well as a brown color.

Like this one from fishbase.org - decidedly blue: http://www.fishbase.org/images/species/Acjap_u1.jpg

Is it the difference between the male and female? Is it just picking up colors from its surroundings? Is the color mood-dependent?

I do want to get a single tang, and my preference all along has been the powder blue, but I know it's difficult to keep and may not live very long under the best of conditions so I'll spare it and me. Unless someone out there knows different.

Debbie

 

[joe 09]

powder brown tang

you are right about the japonicus,in color and being hardy.i had a powder blue that didnt do to well and gave my tank ick .i lost 2/3 of my tank.i have the japonicus and it doing very well.

 

[Max]

Yes the powder browns are much easier to keep than the powder blues but, IMHO tangs aren't good fish for newbies. They can be aggresive need a lot of space and no look alikes be they tangs or other fish. The easiest are probably the yellow tangs, scopas or the little blue hippo tangs ,"yellows and scopas are much easier."
If you decide on one of these guys assume that it has ich ,"most of them do ", keep in q.t. for at least 4 weeks checking daily for little white spots on fins and the body ,"don't let it's lateral line confuse you though," Treat with proper medication if infestation occurs .
hth
chris
p.s. read the sticky about fish collection and care issues there is also one for hospital q.t. tanks at the top of the page.

 

[mogurnda]

Most of the references I have seen agree that japonicus (aka white-faced or white-nosed tang) is easier to acclimate and keep than nigricans (aka powder brown or velvet). Wish I could say something from experience, but I haven't kept either species. One thing that would appeal to me about japonicus is the relatively small adult size (14-15 cm) compared with most acanthurus or zebrasoma species.

 

[Debbie64]

Good morning,

Thank you Dave, Chris and Joe.

I actually set up my quarantine tank when I set up the main tank. Empty 10 gal with pvc. It was my old freshwater tank, and it's got a bio wheel rated for a 29 gal so I think the circ. and turnover is enough that I don't need to put a small maxi-jet in there - though I do have one if I need it. What do you think? Do I need another powerhead with a Penguin 125 in a 10 gal tank? I've also got the wheel in the sump collecting bacteria. I already have Rid-Ich+ from a previous ich experience with my molly... It's a Kordon product and it claims it's for fresh and saltwater.

Anyway, I'd planned on the tang being the largest fish in the tank and the only one, visually, of its kind.

you are right about the japonicus,in color and being hardy

Thanks, Joe. But what exactly about the color am I right about? :laugh: That it is blue or that it changes colors or that it's really brown?

I suppose I can wait to find out when I see it in person, but I'm trying to get a game plan before I drive up to SF. Thank you again, guys.

Debbie

 

[joe 09]

debbie you are right on the description of color and features.the japonicus i have ,body is ringed in yellow the brown rear fin,the tail is white and lavender.a real beauty.let us know when you get it,and how you make out.good luck. joe

 

[Debbie64]

debbie you are right on the description of color and features.the japonicus i have ,body is ringed in yellow the brown rear fin,the tail is white and lavender.a real beauty.let us know when you get it,and how you make out.good luck. joe

Yes, thank you, I'll post when I do. Actually, I have a question, but I'll post another thread - don't want it to get lost.

Debbie