The Lollipop Tang (Acanthurus japonicus), also known as the Japanese surgeonfish or white-faced 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 Lollipop Tang has an oval-shaped, laterally compressed body. The overall coloration is brownish to dark brown with a distinctive white face and orange-yellow band on the caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin has 9 spines and 28-31 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 26-29 soft rays. This species reaches a maximum total length of 21 cm (8.3 in).

Distribution and Habitat

The Lollipop Tang is found in the Western Pacific from southern Japan to the Philippines and Indonesia. It inhabits shallow coral reefs and lagoons at depths between 2 and 25 meters.

Diet and Feeding

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

Aquarium Care

The Lollipop Tang requires a well-established aquarium of at least 100 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.