Achilles tangs

[rhino56]

What makes them so difficult to keep? I have had one over a year now and he is fat and happy, I treat him no different than i do my other fish. Am i just lucky? he was kinda small when i got him and he is getting pretty big now, He is the friendliest fish i have.

 

[TJ's Reef]

They are a very high strung and territorial fish by nature and ship poorly. I would say that more than 80% mortality rate in collection to wholesale facility and about the same loss percentage to get to our Reeftank overall. I truly believe that we should not collect them or have a maximum size of 2-3" as their chance for survival is much better as a juveniles. Success with Achilles is comparable to Moorish Idols and are a rare feat. I've swam with them in the wild and have seen them from collection to wholesaler to LFS and unfortunately have seen and read WAY TO MANY sad stories of their losses once in our care. I'm torn on the subject as would love to acquire a small healthy juvenile but hate to think that 6-9 were killed getting that one to me..,.......

Cheers, Todd

 

[TJ's Reef]

They are a very high strung and territorial fish by nature and ship poorly. I would say that more than 80% mortality rate in collection to wholesale facility and about the same loss percentage to get to our Reeftank overall. I truly believe that we should not collect them or have a maximum size of 2-3" as their chance for survival is much better as a juveniles. Success with Achilles is comparable to Moorish Idols and are a rare feat. I've swam with them in the wild and have seen them from collection to wholesaler to LFS and unfortunately have seen and read WAY TO MANY sad stories of their losses once in our care. I'm torn on the subject as would love to acquire a small healthy juvenile but hate to think that 6-9 were killed getting that one to me..,.......

Cheers, Todd

 

[revhtree]

I also believe that it has to do with age, collection, and shipping to you or the store.

I bought a small one from LA that they kept for several weeks and made sure it was healthy and eating. I have tried them before. This is the most healthy one I have ever had. Eats everything and is a great fish! Love mine!

 

[Ladysaber]

I think places such as LA and DD do assure me of the possibility of the fish surviving once it's in my tank. It's hard to see LFS carry/sell these the same week they were collected, because most advanced reefers know that it's a slim chance the fish will survive.

 

[Kworker]

I do believe their Expert only label is justified.. They are very high energy fish in comparison to any other tang I have seen and/or kept.. They are constantly on the move even when the lights have been out for a couple hours they are swimming in the current.

I only picked up the one I currently have because it was a day away from death in the LFS. I had success so far with bringing him back to better health and starting to treat him with Cupramine in my QT. Honestly, it is a bit hypocritical for me to say since I have one in my possession. But I do believe these fish belong in the list of fish that should stay in the ocean and not be collected...

I do believe their skill level is a bit overblown to SOME. I only say some because MOST do not QT their fish. Than not only do they need to be QT'd they need to have a proper QT setup to ensure that they do fine during treatment. Anybody who says these fish should not be QT'd deserve not to be listened to IMHO. This fish is guaranteed to come home with you having ICH.

 

[jen2828]

Acquiring a healthy one is definitely an important first step. I had mine shipped directly from the wholesaler and I picked him up at the airport. Keeping them stress free is also vital (swimming room, water parameters, flow, feeding). I've had mine almost 3 years now and he's grown almost twice the size he was when he came. He's also the meanest fish ever (will kill any type of fish you try to add)...but it's ok, I plan on only keeping him and his 5 yr old purple tang buddy in there.