Freckle Face Tang (Acanthurus maculiceps)

Description

Freckle Face Tang (Acanthurus maculiceps)

Overview

• Scientific Name: Acanthurus maculiceps
• Common Names: Freckle Face Tang, White Freckled Surgeonfish, Black-Eared Surgeonfish, Spot Face Tang
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Maldives, Andaman Sea, Philippines, Japan, Samoa, Hawaii)
• Adult Size: Up to 33-40 cm; typically 20-25 cm in captivity
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in aquariums; up to 30-45 years in the wild
• Care Level: Moderate to intermediate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial with similar species
• Reef Safe: Generally yes, but larger specimens may nip at LPS corals
• Availability: Occasionally available; wild-caught from Indo-Pacific; rare in aquaculture

The Freckle Face Tang is prized for its distinctive white to yellow freckles across the face, a sleek grey to smoky brown body, and vibrant yellow pectoral fins. It can change color dramatically based on mood, shifting from dark grey with yellow freckles to light grey with blue freckles. As a member of the Acanthuridae family, it has a sharp caudal spine (“scalpel”) for defense, requiring careful handling to avoid injury. Its algae-grazing habits make it valuable for reef tanks, but its size and territoriality demand careful planning.

Care Requirements

Freckle Face Tangs need a spacious, stable environment mimicking their natural reef habitat. They are prone to marine ich and head/lateral line erosion (HLLE) if stressed or underfed, so water quality and diet are critical.

• Tank Size    Minimum 125 gallons (475 liters); 180+ gallons preferred    Juveniles can start in 100 gallons, but upgrades are needed. Space prevents stress and aggression.
• Temperature    72-82°F (22-28°C)    Ideal 75-78°F; use heater/chiller for stability.
• pH    8.1-8.4    Stable pH prevents stress; test weekly.
• Salinity (SG)    1.020-1.025    Standard for reef tanks; use refractometer.
• Water Hardness    8-12 dKH    Buffers pH; use marine salt mixes.
• Ammonia/Nitrite    0 ppm    Essential; poor water quality causes disease.
• Nitrate    <20 ppm    Low levels via 10-20% weekly water changes.
• Lighting    Moderate to high    Supports algae growth; 8-10 hours/day with LEDs.
• Filtration & Flow    Strong; 20-40x tank volume/hour    Protein skimmer, powerheads, live rock for filtration.

Aquascaping: Provide live rock for grazing and hiding, with open swimming areas. Use Aquaroche or shelves to mimic reefs. Secure corals, as large specimens may knock them over during dashes. A jump guard prevents escapes.

Acclimation: Drip acclimate for 1-2 hours; quarantine for 2-4 weeks to monitor for parasites like flukes or ich.

Health Notes: Prone to ich (white spots), HLLE (head erosions), and bacterial infections if water quality or diet is poor. Use UV sterilizers and quarantine with copper-based meds if needed.

Maintenance

Consistent upkeep ensures health and vibrant coloration while minimizing disease risk.

• Water Changes: 10-20% weekly with RO/DI water matched to tank parameters.
• Filtration: Use protein skimmer, canister filter, or refugium. Add activated carbon for toxin removal.
• Testing: Weekly checks for pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate using reliable kits.
• Cleaning: Siphon detritus during changes; clean filters monthly. Monitor algae, as the tang grazes but needs supplemental feeding.
• Handling: Use caution due to sharp caudal spines, which can cause painful cuts. Use a container, not a net, for transfers.

Common Issues:

• Marine Ich: Treat in quarantine with copper or hyposalinity.
• HLLE: Prevent with vegetable-rich diet, low nitrates, and vitamins.

Aggression: Monitor for bullying; add as the last fish to reduce territoriality.

Choose healthy specimens from reputable suppliers, as transport stress is common.

Diet

Primarily herbivorous, Freckle Face Tangs graze on filamentous algae in the wild and need a vegetable-heavy diet in captivity to maintain health, coloration, and reduce aggression. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, consumed within 2-3 minutes.

Primary Foods:

• Marine algae/nori (e.g., Sea Veggies, Ocean Nutrition Seaweed Salad).
• Spirulina flakes/pellets enriched with vitamins.
• Blanched vegetables: Zucchini, broccoli, cucumber.
• Supplements (10-20% of diet): Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, or high-quality omnivore flakes for variety.

Feeding Tips: Attach nori to a veggie clip or rock. Offer live rock for natural grazing. Feed small, frequent meals to mimic wild behavior and prevent digestive issues or HLLE.

A varied diet with ample algae strengthens immunity and enhances freckle vibrancy.

Behavior

Freckle Face Tangs are active, diurnal swimmers that graze constantly and may exhibit territoriality, especially toward other tangs or food competitors. They can change color rapidly based on mood, adding visual interest. Their caudal spine is used for defense and can harm tank mates or handlers.

• Activity Level: High; requires ample swimming space to avoid stress.
• Social Dynamics: Semi-aggressive; may chase similar-shaped fish or food competitors. Best kept singly or added last to the tank.
• Stress Indicators: Glass surfing, hiding, faded colors, or rapid breathing—check water quality and tank mates.

Compatibility

Freckle Face Tangs are generally reef-safe, grazing algae without harming corals or invertebrates, though large specimens may nip at LPS corals if underfed. They are best as the only tang in the tank unless in very large systems (200+ gallons).

Compatible Tank Mates (in 125+ gallon tanks):

• Robust fish: Clownfish, angelfish, basslets, gobies, squirrelfish, jawfish.
• Invertebrates: Shrimp, snails, crabs, anemones.
• Corals: SPS, soft corals; monitor LPS with larger tangs.

Incompatible:

• Other Acanthurus tangs (e.g., Powder Blue Tang) or Zebrasoma species—leads to aggression.
• Slow movers: Pipefish, seahorses, or small timid fish like anthias.
• Direct food competitors (e.g., rabbitfish, some triggerfish).

Stocking Tips: One tang per 125 gallons. Introduce simultaneously in large tanks to reduce hierarchy disputes. Provide hiding spots to ease tension.

Reproduction

Breeding in home aquariums is nearly impossible due to complex spawning behaviors and larval rearing challenges. In the wild, they are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm in groups or pairs near the surface, with pelagic larvae drifting before settling.

• Captive Breeding: Rare; some success in 2015 research, but not viable for hobbyists due to aggression in pairs and larval fragility. Requires massive tanks (400+ gallons) and specialized diets (live phytoplankton, rotifers).
• Sexing: Difficult; males may be larger with white setae near spines; females have larger cloacas.

Hobbyist Notes: Focus on sourcing sustainable wild-caught or rare aquacultured specimens.

Summary

The Freckle Face Tang is a visually captivating and functional addition to large reef aquariums, controlling algae while adding dynamic color. Its care demands a spacious tank, stable water parameters, and a vegetable-rich diet to thrive. Intermediate aquarists with experience managing territorial fish and water quality will find it rewarding. Always source ethically to support reef conservation.

Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.

Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.