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February 10, 2012
Marine Fish
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Whitecheek Surgeonfish
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Whitecheek Surgeonfish
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The Whitecheek Surgeonfish, also known as the Gold-rimmed Surgeonfish or Whitecheek Tang, has a purplish-blue body with a small white mark on the cheek between the mouth and eyes. The pectoral, anal, and dorsal fins are dark blue with blue highlights at the tip. The tail is blue with a yellow vertical bar. A yellow striping runs along the body, against the anal and dorsal fins, forming a distinctive wishbone-shaped marking.

A 75 gallon or larger aquarium is adequate to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards other Tangs, but peaceful with other fish in the tank.

The diet of the Whitecheek Surgeonfish should consist of algae and vegetarian items such as Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed.

Like other tangs and surgeonfish, they are generally compatible with: Dwarf Angelfish, Large Angelfish, Anglers & Frogfish, Anthias, Basslets, Blennies, Boxfish, Clownfish, Damselfish, Eels, Filefish, Goatfish, Gobies, Groupers, Grunts & Sweetlips, Hawkfish, Hogfish, Lionfish & Scorpionfish, Parrotfish, Pseudochromis, Puffers, Squirrelfish and Wrasse.

Fish Facts
Name: Whitecheek Surgeonfish (Acanthurus glaucopareius, Acanthurus nigricans)
Family: Acanthuridae
Range: West Pacific
Size: Up to 8 inches
Diet: Herbivore
Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants
Reef Compatible: With caution
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Minimum Tank Capacity: 75 gallon
Light: High
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: No specific level
Care Level: Moderate
Reproduction: Group Spawner
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Picture(s): Courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith |
Information provided courtesy of PetEducation.com

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