Achilles x White Cheek Hybrid Tang (Acanthurus achilles x nigricans)

Why it is a Collector's Vault fish: This is a natural hybrid between the Achilles Tang and the White Cheek Tang. It only occurs where the two species overlap, such as Hawaii and Micronesia, and is found mostly where Achilles Tangs outnumber White Cheeks, so it turns up rarely. Because each fish is a mix of two parents, no two look exactly alike.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Acanthurus achilles x Acanthurus nigricans
• Origin: Central Pacific
• Available sizes: Small, Medium, XL
• Care level: Expert
• Reef safe: Yes
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Max size: 10 inches
• Minimum aquarium: 180 gallons
• Diet: Herbivore
• Water: 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025

Compatibility

• Good tankmates: Angelfish, wrasses, anthias and tangs from other genera
• Avoid: Other Acanthurus tangs, especially Achilles, Powder and White Cheek Tangs

Care Notes

• Needs a large aquarium, ideally 180 gallons or more, with a long open swimming lane and strong flow
• Reef safe, but can be territorial toward other tangs; add it last or alongside other new tangs
• Prone to ich like its parent species, which is why we condition every tang before sale
• Feed marine algae such as nori daily, plus meaty foods like mysis

How to Buy, Pickup & Shipping

• Conditioned only (7-Day Hold): all of our tangs are conditioned before sale. Tangs are especially prone to ich and other parasites after shipping, so every tang completes our mandatory conditioning period. Your fish usually reaches us the day after you order, and we hold it for at least 7 days to inspect it, make sure it is eating and check for any sign of disease before it goes home with you. Covered by our Collector's Vault Guarantee.
• Store pickup in Sugar Land, or $100 flat-rate FedEx Priority Overnight shipping within the continental U.S. (ships Monday through Thursday; weather holds as needed).
• Full terms: Collector's Vault Shipping & Guarantee.