Achilles Tang

[i cant think]

So, my LFS got in a 1.5-2” Acanthurus achilles and the pricing it actually reasonable (£425) compared to the 3-4” achilles that we’re going for £600-£700. I would love to know the Upsides to owning this fish aswell as the risks. I know one risk is it can die within a few days of the new tank. The tank I have is 4’x2’x2’, I don’t plan to keep it long term if it gets 4-5” before I upgrade to a 6’ tank. Fish in the tank currently are:
- Flashing Tilefish (Not risky)
- Twin Spot Bristletooth (Risky?)
- Jade Wrasse (Risky?)
- CBB (Not risky)
- Radiant Wrasse (Not risky)
- Lubbocki Fairy Wrasse x2 (Not risky)
- Black Photon Clown (Not risky?)
- Swallowtail Angelfish (Not risky?)
- Magnificent Foxface (Risky?)
- Black Margin Fairy Wrasse (Not risky)

It looks overstocked however if the Jade wrasse is any more aggressive to my iridis then it will be rehomed. I’d rather have constructive criticism instead of just “Your tank is too small”. I agree that long term my tank would not be sufficient however say 2-3 years. I also may have to move house, now this is just a decision at the moment. I have 2 weeks minimum to decide then I will either ignore it, take it or leave it another few weeks. This has been my dream fish for the past 2 years however I never thought a small one would show up.

 

[Rmckoy]

They are a amazing looking fish .
I agree on being my favourite as well but providing a system for them is top priority .
I have read the requirements for them such as higher than normal flow .
I’d be worried about aggression with the other tang . Or stress caused to the cbb
One of all could end up with ich

I’m at the point in my system where it’s almost impossible to add anymore fish .
not for being over stocked but very limited to what I can add without causing aggression issues .

I don’t think the foxface is a issue .
they are normally more shy but can stand their own against aggressive attacks from others .
In my system ….. the yellow tang and mata tang are by far the most aggressive

 

[sc50964]

I suggest not as small baby tangs are hard to keep. Achilles is even harder since it’s more sensitive. Also, if you want to keep your flashing tile for long, aggressive fish like tangs should be off the list based on my exp on them.

 

[Crabby48]

Just do it!!! Yes this one is Hawaii!! I would be worried about two things the damage it will do when bigger and becomes crazy and health from where you purchase She was tiny and the teardrop was just a speck when I got her I don’t believe they are that fragile most fish aren’t as bad as people think but they get unhealthy fish

 

[vetteguy53081]

The smaller ones are not defensive against aggressors and some feed well why some can be finicky. They are a great fish and I will say - one that quarantine is a must

 

[Crabby48]

Can’t think. You know how to deal with fragile fish and aggression. Keep your mind clear and you have a good chance. As long as fish is healthy you have a good chance. Do you use an acclimation box?
Anytime I added small Acanthurus to established tangs the established tried to hold territory until Acanthurus looses patience then they set laws fast. The good with new ones small are they are more agile and can’t turn the chasing around.

 

[i cant think]

After remembering how they’re ich magnets I think I’ll pass - Also the flashin tile doesn’t seem to care about aggression unless it’s towards him. I guess for now this fish will be a look at but don’t grab, that is until I get the 6’ tank. Then it will become a must have fish haha.

 

[i cant think]

Actually, he may still be an option - Crabby really has made me think twice about the post above. I have managed to keep several hard/“expert” level fish alive, I have kept several tilefish thriving in holding tanks. I mean, I have 2 weeks to change my mind! Hit me with the good reasons to keep them and I may actually shoot the shot.

 

[Fishfreak2009]

I personally wouldn't. I feel like an achilles will stress in a 4' tank, even if it is small.

 

[Crabby48]

Actually, he may still be an option - Crabby really has made me think twice about the post above. I have managed to keep several hard/“expert” level fish alive, I have kept several tilefish thriving in holding tanks. I mean, I have 2 weeks to change my mind! Hit me with the good reasons to keep them and I may actually shoot the shot.

See. I would be concerned about ich the most. You have away to re home and catch in case. Or rearrange rock. I don’t like to rearrange rock as that will have wrasse go through pecking order.

One last thought. Adding a tang will take more room and shuffle homes with wrasse.

 

[i cant think]

See. I would be concerned about ich the most. You have away to re home and catch in case. Or rearrange rock. I don’t like to rearrange rock as that will have wrasse go through pecking order.

One last thought. Adding a tang will take more room and shuffle homes with wrasse.

Yeah, my main concerns were the already established tang and the ich. Although I do know how to get around aggression. I’d be alright moving rock around OR swapping tangs (Although the Ctenochaetus is VERY helpful with algae).

 

[Crabby48]

Yeah, my main concerns were the already established tang and the ich. Although I do know how to get around aggression. I’d be alright moving rock around OR swapping tangs (Although the Ctenochaetus is VERY helpful with algae).

Never an easy decision when we are stocked.
Try and forget about Achilles for a day then rethink it during week.

 

[i cant think]

Never an easy decision when we are stocked.
Try and forget about Achilles for a day then rethink it during week.

Will do! I’ll probably bump or look at this thread on Wednesday or Tuesday then see how I feel.

 

[Crabby48]

@SaltyT we need your support. Best part she isn’t bias when it comes to tangs lol

 

[SaltyT]

No bias here I dislike them all equally All joking aside, I do think the Achilles tang is one of the most attractive tangs. It is an ich magnet though so if you’re practicing ich management in your tank I’d pass on it until your future 6’ tank.

 

[Tamberav]

I hate tangs but this one looks nice. I wouldn't do it in less than 6 foot... 8 foot being even better! Those tangs live so long... if kept well..

I always assumed the care for the flashing tilefish is the same for a normal tilefish They are just rare and expensive (here at least).