Shipping is $42.79. Fish orders over $599 and coral orders over $399 ship free. Fish and coral ship in separate boxes, and we confirm your delivery day with you before anything ships.
Carefully Selected
Scheduled Delivery
Live Arrival Covered
Description
Medium Gold Rim White Cheek Tang
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Reef safe
Yes
Typical for this species. Ask us if you're unsure.
Transform Your Tank with a Striking Pacific Tang That Rewards the Dedicated Reefer
Looking for a tang with the bold, dark elegance of an Achilles but with its own unmistakable identity? The Gold Rim White Cheek Tang (Acanthurus nigricans) is a standout in the Acanthurus family: a deep, velvety dark body accented by a crisp white cheek patch and gold-rimmed fin edging that gives it a refined, high-contrast appearance that turns heads in any saltwater aquarium. At 2.5 to 3.5" you're acquiring this specimen at a young, formative stage, an opportunity to grow it out in your system and watch it develop into a full adult display piece on your timeline.
Like its Acanthurus relatives, the Gold Rim White Cheek is an advanced keeper that demands respect. It requires pristine water quality, very high flow and oxygenation, and a low-stress environment. It is susceptible to ich and does not tolerate suboptimal conditions. For the experienced reefer with a mature, well-oxygenated system, it is an extraordinarily rewarding long-term resident that only becomes more impressive with size and age.
Quick Stats & Care Guide
Common Name:Gold Rim White Cheek Tang
Scientific Name:Acanthurus nigricans
Current Size:Small, 2.5 to 3.5"
Care Level:Intermediate
Temperament:Semi-aggressive (territorial with other Acanthurus tangs)
Diet:Primarily herbivorous, nori, algae, spirulina; supplement with mysis and pellets
Reef Safe:Yes
Minimum Tank Size:150 gallons
Water Conditions:Temp 74 to 79°F | Sal 1.020 to 1.025 | pH 8.1 to 8.4 | Very high flow | Maximum oxygenation | Pristine water quality required
Why Buy From The Coral Boutique?
Every specimen we ship has been quarantined, conditioned, and eating before it leaves our facility. Acanthurus tangs are among the most sensitive specimens in transit. Ours receive extra care in handling and packing so yours arrives stable and ready for a smooth acclimation into your system.
Fish Health
Our fish are selected with appearance, behavior, and feeding response in mind before being listed. We aim to offer healthy, alert specimens for established saltwater systems.
Compatibility
Please confirm this fish is compatible with your tank size, current livestock, temperament needs, and reef goals before ordering. If you are unsure, contact us before checkout and we’ll help you choose responsibly.
Shipping & Pickup
Livestock ships Monday through Wednesday. We confirm a delivery day with you before your order goes out, and we will hold it if the weather is bad or an animal needs more time in quarantine.
Fish orders over $599 qualify for free shipping. Coral orders over $399 qualify for free shipping. Free same-day Miami pickup is available at 46 NW 36th St and is usually ready in 1–2 hours.
Live Arrival Guarantee
Eligible livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Photograph the animal in its sealed bag before you open anything, then email that photo with your order number within two hours of delivery. Our team reviews every claim and gets you an answer within one business day. Failed delivery attempts, refused packages, or missed delivery windows may void coverage.
Acclimation
Acclimate fish carefully and introduce them into a stable, established saltwater aquarium. Match temperature and salinity slowly, keep lights low during introduction, and monitor behavior closely after release.
Photography
We photograph our fish in house to show their coloration and patterning as clearly as we can. Colors can look different under your own lights.
When a fish in our WYSIWYG collection has one in stock, the photo is the exact fish you receive. Other fish listings use a representative photo of the species and the quality you can expect. Every fish is carefully selected for health, coloration, and temperament before shipping.
SELECTED FOR ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS
Healthy Fish Start With Careful Selection.
Every fish is selected with color, behavior, and compatibility in mind. We focus on livestock that makes sense for real reef systems, not just impulse purchases.
If you have questions about temperament, tank size, or reef compatibility, contact us before ordering.
Watch before you order
How ordering and shipping work
Ship days, free shipping, the Live Arrival Guarantee and shipping protection in just over a minute.
Scheduled Shipping
Fish ship Monday through Wednesday only to avoid weekend delays.
Simple Claim Window
Sealed bag photo, emailed within 2 hours of delivery. Natural or white light.
Free Miami Pickup
Pick up locally from our NW 36th St showroom.
INTRODUCTION MATTERS
Give New Fish a Stable Start.
Successful fish introductions depend on stable water parameters, proper acclimation, compatible tankmates, and low-stress handling. Take your time, keep lights low, and observe behavior closely after release.
