Whitecheek Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigricans)

Acanthurus nigricans, the Whitecheek Surgeonfish, presents a striking dark brown to near-black body with a clean white cheek patch and a bright yellow caudal spine area that contrasts powerfully against its dark flanks. Similar in temperament to the Powder Blue Tang, it can be territorial toward other tangs of similar body shape but generally thrives in a well-managed reef system with space and algae-rich feeding. Excellent water quality and a marine algae-rich diet are the keys to its long-term health and colouration.

Provide a minimum 300 L reef tank with strong flow and significant algae or nori supplementation. Introduce carefully alongside other tangs — add last or use a divider period. Feed nori, spirulina wafers, and algae-based frozen food daily. Maintain temperature 24–27°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Quarantine recommended as this species can be ich-prone. Provide a UV steriliser in systems with multiple tangs.