{"product_id":"hybrid-achilles-x-white-cheek-tang","title":"Hybrid Achilles x White Cheek Tang - Acanthurus achilles x glaucopareius","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Achilles x White Cheek Tang is a striking naturally occurring surgeonfish that combines traits of the Achilles Tang and White Cheek Tang. Its deep brown to nearly black body is accented by contrasting white, yellow, and orange markings that can vary noticeably from one individual to another. This variable coloration gives each hybrid a distinctive appearance while retaining the streamlined body shape and powerful swimming style associated with \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e tangs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFound in the central Pacific where the ranges of its parent species overlap, this hybrid is best suited to experienced marine aquarists with large, mature systems. It is an active, high-energy saltwater fish that benefits from strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, and abundant swimming room. In a properly established reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium, it can become an impressive centerpiece while also spending much of the day grazing on rock surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert Only\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Central Pacific, including Hawaii and Micronesia where parent species overlap\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus achilles × Acanthurus glaucopareius\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis hybrid requires a spacious aquarium with substantial open swimming room and mature live rock for grazing. A long aquarium footprint is especially important because these tangs are powerful, continuous swimmers that make frequent passes through the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange rockwork to provide caves and sheltered areas without creating an overly crowded aquascape. Strong, turbulent water movement and high dissolved oxygen levels are particularly important. Excellent filtration, stable water quality, and regular maintenance should be considered essential rather than optional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium lid is recommended, particularly during acclimation or when the fish is startled. Long-term success is best achieved in a well-established system rather than a recently cycled aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural diet consists primarily of filamentous and other benthic algae. In captivity, vegetable-based foods should make up the majority of the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori regularly, preferably on a feeding clip where the fish can graze throughout the day. A high-quality spirulina or algae-based pellet can be supplemented with frozen herbivore blends, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and small amounts of chopped marine seafood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple smaller feedings are preferable to a single large meal. Providing frequent access to algae and maintaining mature rock surfaces for grazing can help support healthy body condition and natural feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect a confident, territorial temperament typical of more assertive \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e species. Established individuals may become aggressive toward other surgeonfish, particularly tangs with similar body shapes or closely related species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is generally safest to keep only one Achilles-type or White Cheek-type tang unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and carefully planned. If multiple tangs are attempted, providing abundant space, multiple feeding areas, and visual breaks within the aquascape can help reduce territorial pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include robust peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish that are unlikely to compete directly for territory. Avoid combining this fish with timid species that may be intimidated by its constant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis hybrid is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and normally ignores corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, snails, and other reef invertebrates. Its grazing behavior is directed primarily toward algae growing on rockwork and aquarium surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with other surgeonfish, occasional investigative picking may occur, but persistent coral predation is not characteristic of the hybrid. Its greatest concern in a reef aquarium is territorial aggression toward other fish rather than damage to corals or invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions are especially important. Avoid rapid changes in temperature, salinity, or water chemistry, and prioritize consistent water quality over repeatedly adjusting parameters to reach an exact number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequires excellent oxygenation and water movement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong circulation closely matches the high-energy reef environments associated with its parent species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan be territorial with other tangs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggression is most likely toward other \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e species and similarly shaped surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeeds frequent access to marine algae:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regular grazing opportunities and algae-based foods should form the foundation of the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensitive to stress and water-quality problems:\u003c\/strong\u003e Careful acclimation, stable conditions, and a mature aquarium are important for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequires substantial swimming space:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is an active surgeonfish that should be housed in a large aquarium with an open, unobstructed swimming area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Small (1.75-2.25\")","offer_id":50859957911850,"sku":"TANGxHybAchS","price":1124.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM (2.26-3\")","offer_id":51445451587882,"sku":"TANGxHybAchSM","price":1184.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (3.1-4\")","offer_id":50859957944618,"sku":"TANGxHybAchM","price":1349.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (4.1-5\")","offer_id":52258089697578,"sku":"TANGxHybAchML","price":1469.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (5.1-6\")","offer_id":50859957977386,"sku":"TANGxHybAchL","price":1649.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.1-7\")","offer_id":52258089730346,"sku":"TANGxHybAchXL","price":1724.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (7.1-8\")","offer_id":52258089763114,"sku":"TANGxHybAchXX","price":1799.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW (8.1-10\")","offer_id":52258089795882,"sku":"TANGxHybAchSH","price":1994.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/HybridAchillesTang_79b31c13-2f70-4c12-9812-1ecec92d04d9.png?v=1787582995","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/hybrid-achilles-x-white-cheek-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}