Gold-Rim/Whitecheek Vs. Powder Brown (Tangs)

[berkdog]

Can you help me compare/contrast these 2 tangs?

*Acanthurus nigricans (Gold-Rim Tang or Whitecheek Tang)
*Acanthurus japonicus (Powder Brown Tang)

Both:
Grow up to 8"
Can be housed in (a minimum of) 70 gallon tanks
Need plenty of room to swim around
Are aggressive with other tangs, but peaceful otherwise
Are mistaken for each other, but have distinctive markings

All that I have read that is different about these 2 (other than their appearances) is that the Powder Brown Tang is more passive in general. But what does that mean? It will hide and not feed with other fish?

Does anyone have experience with these 2 fish? Or like one particularly (even if not interested or aware of the other)? Can you share input?

Thanks

[leebca]

I've had both fishes. They require a 6 foot long tank for swimming room after they get to be about 3 inches or more in length. Each fish has it's own personality so I think the generalization of their behavior is pretty much worthless. Much depends on what other fishes they are with as to their behavior. However, these Tangs tend to be reclusive -- afraid of almost everything and the hobbyists at the start. They usually become less timid with time and may pick fights with other fishes and especially any other Acanthurus sp Tangs.

Traditionally, the White Cheek is the most difficult to keep (doesn't adapt to captive life as well as the other one), however both require top water quality at all times.

[berkdog]

Do you know how long each typically live? In a 6'+ tank, healthy, captive environment?

[leebca]

Given optimal conditions, a lifespan of over 10 years is reasonable. I have had one live to 14 years.

[berkdog]

Thanks Leebca!

[berkdog]

I was reading in The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Fenner that the Gold-Rim/Whitecheek is MUCH BETTER in terms of surviving in a home aquarium than the Powder Brown. They look similar, but Powder Browns on the average don't make it 3 weeks in someone's home aquarium. They're not hardy at all, while the Gold-Rim/Whitecheek is much more hardy. That's from the book.

[leebca]

Ask Mr. Fenner how many of each of those fishes has he kept in his own home aquarium.

[berkdog]

After further review, I was confused by all of the namings. In the book on page 330, Fenner matches the Acanthurus nigricans with the common name Powder Brown Tang and the Acanthurus japonicus with the White-faced Tang. Online (liveaquaria.com, etc), I see the exact opposite matching.

Strictly using the useful scientific names, Fenner claims that the Acanthurus nigricans should be avoided, and the Acanthurus japonicus should be purchased since he claims it is hardier (when choosing between the two).

I guess personal experience varies, but I just wanted to clarify what the book says. Now I am learning why people don't like to use common names so much!!! That can be confusing!

[reefhead728]

Acanthurus japonicus (Powder Brown Tang) iv had one years ago. Never had a Acanthurus nigricans (Gold-Rim Tang or Whitecheek Tang) so i cant tell you the differnce, but i can say that my powder brown was beyond a novice fish.

[berkdog]

Thanks reefhead! How long did he live? If you had him from day 1 again, what would you do differently?

[reefhead728]

He made it about 8 months, and if i had him again from day 1 and knew the outcome i would have took him back to the store until i was more informed about them.

[berkdog]

So you'd never consider getting another one?

[reefhead728]

I might now i have a little more knowledge of saltwater fish than i did 3 years ago. they are very nice fish just hard to keep for a novice

[berkdog]

If I were to start over, I'd get a longer tank, at least 6'. I laugh at my family when they first were telling me to start small and get a 2 gallon guppy tank. I had one of those when I was 5!

[reefhead728]

When my brother was stationed in Japan. His freinds decided to thow a party that got out of control, 4 of his fish were eaten alive, it was a funny a$$ video.

[berkdog]

Wow, I emailed Bob Fenner et all regarding his book, and Mr. Bob Fenner himself replied to my email! That's *almost* as cool as Leebca responding to my threads here at reefland So, a special thanks to Leebca and all helpful experts!

<There is a never ending disc. re common names period; a minor one with these species. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/GoldRimSs.htm>
Looking purely at the scientific names, is the Acanthurus nigricans hardier (more robust in the home aquarium environment) than the Acanthurus japonicus, or is the opposite true?
<A. japonicus is far more aquarium suitable, hardy>
Thank you.
<Thank you for your input! Bob Fenner>

[reefhead728]

Thats cool berkdog that he responded back so quickly.

[leebca]

Why didn't you ask how many of each of these species he has kept in his own home aquarium?

Remember the introduction to this post: Fish Stocking Limit - for FO and FOWLR

\

[berkdog]

He referenced working at a whole sale fish place, and how most of one type would survive and the other wouldn't.

But good to hear/see. For either Tang, a 6' tank in length is necessary.

Thank you

[hadtricig]

Thanks so much 4 sharing with us,bros