Powder Brown Tang

Powder Brown Tang

Acanthurus japonicus

Also known as: Japan Surgeonfish, White-Faced Tang

🧂 Saltwater ⚡ Semi-aggressive 🟡 Moderate 🌿 Herbivore Reef Safe

Brown body with a white face, orange dorsal stripe, and orange-marked tail scalpels. An elegant and underrated tang.

Tank Size

75 gal
minimum (125+ preferred)

Temperature

74–82°F
23–28°C

pH Range

8–8.4
water acidity

Max Size

8"
20.3 cm

Lifespan

10+ years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

All
preferred zone

Care Notes

Hardier than the similar powder blue tang but still benefits from quarantine. Can be aggressive toward other tangs.

Feeding

Nori seaweed, marine algae, spirulina, pellets, and frozen mysis.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Ocellaris Clownfish 3" True Percula Clownfish 3" Blue Green Chromis 3" Yellowtail Damselfish 2.5" Blue Tang 12" Yellow Tang 8" Kole Tang 7" Clarkii Clownfish 5" Tomato Clownfish 5" Scopas Tang 8" Naso Tang 18" Convict Tang 8"

Incompatible With

Maroon Clownfish 6" Blue Devil Damselfish 3" Powder Blue Tang 9" Achilles Tang 10" Purple Tang 10" Three Stripe Damselfish 3" Domino Damselfish 5" Four Stripe Damselfish 3" Jewel Damselfish 6" Clown Tang 15" Green Clown Goby 1.5" Catalina Goby 2.5"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Powder Brown Tang is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.