Filefish Hovering near reef

Powder Brown Tang Care Guide

Glossary:

  1. Care Guide & Requirements
  2. Reef Safe
  3. Prices
  4. Food & Diet
  5. Facts
  6. Tank Mates & Environment
  7. FAQs


The Powder Brown tang (Acanthurus japonicus) is a popular fish among more experienced aquarists for its colors that make it stand apart. While it’s a great-looking fish to add to a tank, it’s also among the more difficult to care for, which is why you must know how to keep this fish in good shape and under control if you plan on owning one.

The following Powder Brown tang care guide will help you determine whether this fish is ideal for your aquarium.

Is the Powder Brown tang reef safe?

Although the Powder Brown tang tends to be on the aggressive side, it’s not likely to go after your corals or invertebrates. As long as you keep this fish well-fed and happy, it won’t be aggressive enough to cause damage to your reef tank in any way.

Powder Brown tang food and diet

The Powder Brown tang is an omnivorous fish that feeds on a combination of plants and meaty foods. You should feed this fish three times a day and keep it fed with everything from dried seaweed and spirulina to meats such as Mysis and brine shrimp, along with black worms.

Powder Brown tang FAQs

Are Powder Brown tangs hard to keep?

Powder Brown tangs are difficult to maintain in many cases, unfortunately. You’ll need to give this fish plenty of room for swimming, and they’re not the hardiest fish as they are often susceptible to illnesses such as marine ich. So, if you plan on keeping this fish, bear in mind that it’s ideal for more advanced aquarists who have the resources and experience needed to care for this species.

How often do you feed a Powder Brown tang?

The Powder Brown tang loves to eat, making it necessary to feed this fish around three times a day. It feeds on primarily plant-based foods, including algae and microalgae.

What are the water requirements for Powder Brown tangs?

To keep your Powder Brown tang in good shape, you should ensure the water requirements are met. The specific water conditions to keep for your Powder Brown tangs include a water temperature of 72 to 78° F, a pH level of 8.1 to 8.4, a KH level of 8 to 12, and a salinity level between 1.020 and 1.025.

Powder Brown tang price

The cost of a Powder Brown tang can vary greatly depending on factors such as size and availability, but you can find this fish available for around $60 to $150 or more. Browse online or in physical stores near you to find the right fish at the right price.

Powder Brown tang facts

The following are some facts you may want to know about the Powder Brown tang:

  1. The Powder Brown tang has unique coloration that makes it popular, with a brown body featuring white in the area between the eyes and mouth, along with vibrant blue tips at the ends of its dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins.
  2. Like other tangs, the Powder Brown tang tends to be a bit aggressive, making it important to pair it with fish of a similar temperament. They also tend to dislike sharing the tank with other tangs.
  3. Powder Brown tangs can grow to lengths of 8.3 inches, which is part of why you need to give these fish plenty of space to roam and graze.

What other fish are the best tank mates for the Powder Brown tang?

This species of tang doesn’t tend to get along too well with other members of its species as a semi-aggressive fish. It’s best to keep the Powder Brown tang with non-surgeonfish species. 

Some examples of compatible tank mates for the Powder Brown tang include:

Gobies, including the Diamond goby and Engineer goby

Where to buy Powder Brown tangs

You can buy Powder Brown tangs at the following online aquarium shops: