PBT or Convict?

[Aparker2005]

Looking to add a tang to our established 125. We had a PBT from Divers den one time and it thrived. Beautiful, healthy fish, but we couldn't add anything else to the tank. Complete terror.

We've tried 3 since at other shops and all 3 didn't make it. I know they're fairly difficult.

We also had an orange shoulder at one time that did incredibly well, but eventually sold it.

My wife loves PBTs, but now she also likes Convicts. Which would you choose, if either one? It would be the only tang in the tank. Thanks!

 

[JoJosReef]

@Fish Styx

I love the look and movement of convict tangs. On my list if I ever get a tang tank. PBT is not on my list just by reputation.

 

[Fish Styx]

@Fish Styx

I love the look and movement of convict tangs. On my list if I ever get a tang tank. PBT is not on my list just by reputation.

PBTs are demons.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Every time i see PBT, I don't know if it's referring to powder brown or powder blue.

My answer would be powder brown over convict, but convict over powder blue.

 

[Aparker2005]

Every time i see PBT, I don't know if it's referring to powder brown or powder blue.

My answer would be powder brown over convict, but convict over powder blue.

Good point lol. Powder blue for sure

 

[Fish Styx]

My answer would be powder brown over convict.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I'd go for that...

 

[Fish Styx]

I'd go for that...

I did ;)

 

[Largeangels]

Both can be terror's but my convict is worse than my Powder blue. Even worse than my larger Sohol and lineatus. Had to finally catch the convict and put it in a tank with no tangs.

Whatever you choose just have an exit plan to get either one out and make sure to QT.

 

[Tamberav]

Convict because they are not known to be as big of jerks

 

[Fish Styx]

Both can be terror's but my convict is worse than my Powder blue. Even worse than my larger Sohol and lineatus. Had to finally catch the convict and put it in a tank with no tangs.

Whatever you choose just have an exit plan to get either one out and make sure to QT.

My convict is the tank boss and can be ornery, to put it mildly. My Powder Brown has been a model citizen since procured from @Mschmidt

 

[Jasonak]

Ive got a convict with sailfin,hippo and yellow they all get along great. Sailfin and convict added about a year ago hippo and yellow prob 6-8 years old.

 

[Fish Styx]

Convict because they are not known to be as big of jerks

This is a common bit of misinformation in Tang Lore, and stems from any people not having long-term success with them (5+ years). Understanding that all fish are individuals, Convicts are just as aggressive as other Acanthurus sp., and in some cases, moreso.

 

[Mschmidt]

My convict is the tank boss and can be ornery, to put it mildly. My Powder Brown has been a model citizen since procured from @Mschmidt

He was boss in my tank, but only showed it when he was hungry. Perfect gentlemen when fed.

 

[Fish Styx]

He was boss in my tank, but only showed it when he was hungry. Perfect gentlemen when fed.

He's plump and happy.

 

[Tamberav]

This is a common bit of misinformation in Tang Lore, and stems from any people not having long-term success with them (5+ years). Understanding that all fish are individuals, Convicts are just as aggressive as other Acanthurus sp., and in some cases, moreso.

They both are jerks, I think the blue wins imo. At least I know of some tanks with convicts that are not murderers.

 

[JimmyReefer]

This is a common bit of misinformation in Tang Lore, and stems from any people not having long-term success with them (5+ years). Understanding that all fish are individuals, Convicts are just as aggressive as other Acanthurus sp., and in some cases, moreso.

+1 on this - I had a Powder Blue that was bullied by other tangs years ago, (he was the last one added but ended up just fine), my current one is the boss of the whole tank, but was the first one added. That said, they are all individuals and can have different personalities. I recently added a Yellow and Purple in with my PB and after a couple quick skirmishes they all feed off the same nori clip at the same time with no issues.

 

[Fish Styx]

They both are jerks, I think the blue wins imo. At least I know of some tanks with convicts that are not murderers.

Oh yeah- blue wins hands down.

 

[exnisstech]

Convict here. Mine has been with me 3 1/2 years. He's a non stop grazer. He tries to act like a boss at lights out but without a scalpal he is all talk.

 

[Gjedde]

Im setting up a 60x28x20. Before any tangs are added there will be a two bar rabbitfish and blue jaw trigger in the tank. Hoping that one of them will be the tank boss but for tangs am wanting a convict and either a chocolate or powder brown. How do chocolates compare to the pbt and convicts?