The Fowleri Tang (Acanthurus fowleri), also known as Fowler’s surgeonfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. It is found in the Western Pacific Ocean and is popular in the marine aquarium trade.

Physical Description

The Fowleri Tang has an oval-shaped, laterally compressed body. The overall coloration is dark brown to black with a distinctive white band running from the chin to the belly. There are fine horizontal stripes on the body and a yellow-orange band around the caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin has 9 spines and 26-28 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 24-26 soft rays. This species reaches a maximum total length of 25 cm (9.8 in).

Distribution and Habitat

The Fowleri Tang is found in the Western Pacific from Indonesia and the Philippines to southern Japan and the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits shallow coral reefs and seaward slopes at depths between 5 and 30 meters.

Diet and Feeding

The Fowleri Tang is herbivorous, grazing on benthic algae. In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet including marine algae, spirulina, and high-quality vegetable-based preparations.

Aquarium Care

The Fowleri Tang requires a well-established aquarium of at least 125 gallons with abundant live rock for grazing. It is semi-aggressive and may display territorial behavior toward other tangs. Generally considered reef-safe.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.