Acanthurus fowleri is primarily herbivorous, spending its day grazing algae from hard surfaces in the wild. A varied plant-based diet is essential for long-term health and color retention. Dried marine algae sheets, spirulina-enriched frozen preparations, and herbivore pellets should form the backbone of the diet, rounded out with other frozen offerings. Specimens conditioned in quarantine have accepted a broad range of prepared foods.

Feed several times daily if natural algae growth on the rockwork is limited, and lean on algae-rich items to make up the difference. Underfeeding a fish of this size leads quickly to paleness, stress, and increased susceptibility to disease, so consistent, generous grazing opportunities matter more here than with smaller tangs.

This is a bold, fast, and assertive fish with an aggressive temperament, particularly toward other tangs and similarly shaped bodies. It is social in the sense that it establishes and respects a hierarchy among surgeonfish, but that hierarchy is settled through pursuit and displays. Introduce the most aggressive species last, and make certain every tang in the system has its own hiding and sleeping area. Combining multiple Acanthurus species or pairing it with aggressive Zebrasoma carries a real risk of stress-related losses.

Tankmates should be robust, large-bodied, and confident. Large angelfish and groupers make appropriate companions. Passive, small, or timid fish tend to be overwhelmed by the speed and dominance of this tang and are poor choices. It is considered reef safe, grazing algae rather than corals, though large Acanthurus species can be an exception to that rule, so watch a new individual closely around prized corals and clams. Risk to shrimp, crabs, and snails is not documented for this species.