Unusual Tang ID A. nigricauda/blochii/grammoptilus/dussumieri?

[1979fishgeek]

I picked up this little beauty as a Black Shoulder Tang, Acanthurus nigricauda. It’s very small just over a inch but it’s very young so also resembles a number of other Acanthurus species:
Acanthurus blochii
Acanthurus grammoptilus
Acanthurus dussumieri

Can anyone id it for sure? It’s a quick and very confident Tang, photos were not easy to take!
Its not easy to see but there is yellow ring starting to appear around the eye, with a dark blotch just above/behind eye. Bright electric blue edge on anal fin. Dorsal fin turning yellow but faintly striped with blue line running along base. Yellow/white markings on tail.

It’s going into 1300l system once it’s big enough.

 

[JAWS 32]

I am not sure what he is, other than a cutie! Good luck with him!

 

[1979fishgeek]

I am not sure what he is, other than a cutie! Good luck with him!

He’s very cute.....and feisty!

I’m kind of hoping it’s a Dussumieri, that’s a Tang I’ve wanted for decades! But I’ll be happy what ever it turns into, LOVE the Black Shoulders as well.

 

[pirate2876]

Possible Bariene?

 

[1979fishgeek]

Possible Bariene?

Good call! Yes it does resemble the Bariene, has the same black patch behind eye which is circled in yellow. Same tail markings and blue lines on fins and yellow/orange dorsal. Also same pale mouth of similar shape. I can just make out the fine lines on the body as well.

I think you might be right!

 

[Xanthurum]

The problem is all the ones it could be are fairly similar in appearance when they are juveniles. Nothing against your photo taking skills but without seeing it in person or with better pics like from a dslr it would be a tough call for me to make. The good news is you will have your answer eventually lol. It’s just gonna take time for the colors to start showing soon enough.