Achilles tang coloration

[mikeg18]

My fish guy has a small achilles he’s holding for me in qt. Cute little guy however has a very small orange spot, nothing like a typical specimen.

Question to the forum is, without a picture, do you think it’s a juvenile coloration or an aberrant color morph? Right now he is mostly black.

Thanks!

 

[TheDragonsReef]

Yes it is normal for juveniles to not have the orange spot. However some Achilles hybrids will never get it, but theyre rarely sold for the same price.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Juveniles are less brown and develope the yelow fin line and circle as they mature. Assure it gets proper diet.

 

[mikeg18]

He’s definitely dark in coloration but agreed, I have seen more black specimens.

Glad to hear he is probably a juvenile. Price is high already because of the limited supply ($500 range with full qt included), but acceptable for one of my my favorite fish. He’s acting perfect, eating well, not aggressively swimming. Was just concerned at the tiny orange spot!

Thanks

 

[Squidward]

Don't worry I ordered a juvenile Achilles from liveaquaria back in 2019. When it arrived there was just a small line. I was dissappointed and really wondered if it will develop the beautiful deep orange tear drop. And yes it eventually develops it!

 

[mikeg18]

Thanks for the reassurance!