Achilles tang

[dmentnich]

With fishaholics leaving thread I am begining to think more and more about what I buy, and I know that there are a few of you out there who care what I buy as well. I have a 75 gal which is lightly stocked and has been running smoothly now for about 8 mos. I was wondering if an Achilles tang is a good selection (the LFS seems to think so, but they would think that a puffer in my reef was a good idea if they could sell me on it.) If not and Achilles are there any "good" tang selections?
thanks.

 

[naesco]

Thank you for thinking before buying. It is a win win for the species and the reefer.
There are two problems with the Achilles Tang.
The first is that it is very difficult to keep.
It does well for a while and for some reason just dies.
The second problem is your tank is too small for a tang. Tangs get really big and need the 5 foot plus length larger tanks provide because they are swimmers. All you have to do is see one in a larger tank or in the ocean to see this.
But if you choose to buy a tang I would suggest the kole tang because they kind of hang around sucking on rocks. Check the search function for advice on buying and keeping one, or ask here.

 

[Super Len]

I can't blame you for wanting an Achilles. It's a GORGEOUS fish. However ....

Achilles tangs are not good selections. They're relatively fragile, and don't have a good track record in captivity. Terry Siegal is one of the few I know who has successfully kept one for a long time, but his tank is huge, and his knowledge extensive. He'll probably chime in with a word or two about Acanthurus achilles's care.

Keep in mind Acanthurus get pretty big and bolsterous. An Achilles will attain about 10 inches.

Zebrasoma sp. are better tangs. (sailfins, yellows, purples, blacks, and scopas).

In a 75, I'd get no more then one tang. Of course, you'll get a lot of zealous opinions that a 75 gallon is not big enough for even one tang.

 

[dmentnich]

Well, guess that put powder blue etc out for awhile too (may goto 200 gal if I can afford the damn thing.) Until then I will keep your alternatives in mind. Thanks!

 

[Bodine]

I no longer try to keep this fish. I find it most difficult and best left to a six-foot tank with NO other tangs.
Very prone to ich and does not handles stress well.

Other will say their Achilles has done great. IMO this is the exception and many more die to the one success story.

Your tank is certainly on the "cusp" for the hobby accepted minimun size for a tang.

However if you must, I would put a very small purple tang in this tank. Besides this is always a good excuse to get a bigger tank when he out-grows it.
If you get a small one and no other tang, you are at least a year or so away from problems.

Be careful and if a large tank is not in the future, reconsider.

 

[Henry1]

Agree with suggestions above.
Purple Tang is cool and tough. I have mine as a 1 inch in Jan this year and has grown to 5 inch now.

Just take note this guy will be the BIG BOSS once settled in. It will not hasitate to slash any new joiners (if you decide to add any later).

To overcome this, make sure you have a separate place to house him away for about a week while the new joiner settle in. A refugium will work well.

My experience also tell me if a new comer can take his harrassment for up to two days non-stop

, it will pass the induction.
I won't suggest the latter though.

Yellow and Sailfin tang are more peaceful.

Happy reefing

 

[EmilyB]

Don't do it.

I am in Calgary as well. I did not have ick in two years. I stupidly tried an Achilles in a healthy 72g.

In desperation, and because of "ninety opinions" on the best treatment, I ended up spending $300 (algae, meds,etc) to fight for the life of this tang, who was a true fighter, and what I was left with was a dead tang and dying rock.

IMO, as time goes on, I am beginning to realize there really isn't a tang for a tank that size. For a while maybe. But they get nervous, they pace. Tangs need swimming room.

I saw some convict tangs recently, read they are a pretty good bet for a large reef..over 80g. Judging from their mature size, I would say bigger.

[ December 12, 2001: Message edited by: EmilyB ]</p>