Identification please?

Joe Stafford · Mar 31, 2019

Hey everyone! Im new both here and to the Hobby and cannot express my new found excitement. I currently need help identifying a fish, I have been to 4 LFS and everyone give a different answer. Here is a pic. Any words of wisdom on this fish would be great. Im assuming he isnsome form of a Mimic but not sure what kind exactly. Care instructions? Anything would be great!

Thanks.

kchristensen8064 · Mar 31, 2019

Picture is a little dark but maybe a white tail bristletooth tang. Can you get a picture with your whites on so we can see it better.

Kmsutows · Mar 31, 2019

A better picture would definitely help

Joe Stafford · Mar 31, 2019

Sorry about that.

DarrenCar · Mar 31, 2019

It looks like a Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis). Not exactly sure though, fins look a little more rounded than the ones I have seen.

Maritimer · Mar 31, 2019

To me, it has an Acanthurus, rather than a Ctenochaetus vibe. Maybe Acanthurus nigricauda? (Amusing name, that ... I'd have expected it to mean "black-tail" . . . )

~Bruce

DarrenCar · Apr 1, 2019

Maritimer said:
To me, it has an Acanthurus, rather than a Ctenochaetus vibe. Maybe Acanthurus nigricauda? (Amusing name, that ... I'd have expected it to mean "black-tail" . . . )

~Bruce

That looks correct. http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1027#summary

reef lover · Apr 1, 2019

Welcome to r2r!

mort · Apr 1, 2019

Maritimer said:
To me, it has an Acanthurus, rather than a Ctenochaetus vibe. Maybe Acanthurus nigricauda? (Amusing name, that ... I'd have expected it to mean "black-tail" . . . )

~Bruce

I think Acanthurus as well but Acanthurus thompsoni juvinile could be possible as well.

nereefpat · Apr 1, 2019

I don't think the lips are right for a Ctenochaetus sp.

A. luecocheilus might be another option.

Edit: forgot to ask....how big is it?

4FordFamily · Apr 1, 2019

That's an Acanthurus Nigricauda juvenile

nereefpat said:
I don't think the lips are right for a Ctenochaetus sp.

A. luecocheilus might be another option.

Edit: forgot to ask....how big is it?

A. luecocheilus has a yellow tail as a juvenile, typically. Close cousins, however!

nereefpat · Apr 1, 2019

Going to be a big one then....over a foot.

Give lots of room, flow, and food. Nori a couple times a day (especially in a newer tank without much algae) and something meaty like Mysis at least once a day would be a good start.

Joe Stafford · Apr 1, 2019

Thank you so much! Its such a beautiful and lively fish. Im afraid the LFS did a disservice selling it to me as I have a 30g tank. I have plans on upgrading to a larger tank, Im wondering how to make him happy until then and also wonder how much time beforebhe completely outgrows my current tank. He is currently maybe 2 or 3 inches nose to end of tail.

ngoodermuth · Apr 1, 2019

Joe Stafford said:
Thank you so much! Its such a beautiful and lively fish. Im afraid the LFS did a disservice selling it to me as I have a 30g tank. I have plans on upgrading to a larger tank, Im wondering how to make him happy until then and also wonder how much time beforebhe completely outgrows my current tank. He is currently maybe 2 or 3 inches nose to end of tail.

How soon are you planning to upgrade? It’s likely already too big for a 30g... tangs are “messy” fish, besides needing lots of lateral swimming space. It’s a very nice looking fish though!

nereefpat · Apr 1, 2019

It would need to be a really big upgrade, and soon, unfortunately. If it grows like its cousins do, it will be twice that size in a year or so.

I would personally recommend taking it back to the store where you bought it, and trade it for something you can keep long term.