Help me ID this tang

Codym808 · Nov 17, 2016

Hey guys,

I recently caught a bunch of tangs at a beach here in Hawaii but kept the smallest one I thought was in best shape. He/she has now become the most dominant in the tank and was the easiest fish to train to eat frozen or dried foods and also keeps algae in check. Honestly my favorite fish in the tank but I'm not sure what type of tang this is so I was hoping someone could help me ID this tang.
Here in Hawaii they are called "Palani" but I wanted to get more info on this little guy, he's about 2" long right now. Thanks!

Tom Blevins · Nov 17, 2016

Acanthurus maculiceps

coral-boss · Nov 17, 2016

http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productdetail.asp?did=1&cid=52&pid=821

Tom Blevins · Nov 17, 2016

Here is a picture too!

Salty1962 · Nov 17, 2016

Hope you have a large tank

scchase · Nov 18, 2016

If it was caught in Hawaii 100% not a Acanthurus maculiceps unless it is about 3k miles from home. Hard to tell at the size but I would go with the smallest Lavender tang I have ever seen Acanthurus nigrofuscus, secondary guess would be Acanthurus blochii based more on body shape. Truly needs to grow another inch to be sure. As a side not here is my maculiceps just over a year of growth from about that size.

Codym808 · Nov 19, 2016

Here's a more recent shot of him, might help with the ID. I was also thinking lavender tang but it seems @coral-boss might be correct.
Btw nice shot of your Maculiceps!