A.japoniicus vs A.nigricans

[RobynT]

I am doing some research and I've come across conflicting information. I'd love a PBT and Scott's book says that the nigricans is the preferable of the two and wetwebmedia says just the opposite http://www.wetwebmedia.com/GoldRimSs.htm

I'd like to know from anyone that owns either of these fish what you think or any input into the differences good and bad between these two.

Thanks!!

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

I think Scotts book is mixed up. The Japonicus is the easier of the two, but far from being an easy fish to keep. Have seen very few come in looking really healthy and both are prone to ich, velvet, flukes you name it. Mine was in qt for 6 months flukes can be tricky.
They also require large tanks and lots of flow

 

[RobynT]

Thanks for the input.

I'm in the process of setting up a 210 gallon and I will have lots of flow. I presently have a 5-6" Hippo tang and I'd love a PBT but I don't want to add a fish that might upset the apple cart so to speak. I've had my Dori since she was the size of a 50 cent piece and she's not at all aggressive. Other than a very well mannered med size Rabbit fish, I don't have any other larger fish. Fortunately I have never had any disease in my tank and have never dealt with ich. I plan on quarantining any fish that might be added of course.

I know there are lots of different tangs that have better reviews as far as health and ease of keeping but not as visually appealing to my eye. Do you have any suggestions? I'd like to add one tang but no more than that to the 210 gallon. I don't really like the snouty tangs (no offense to anyone that keeps those) such as the yellow or sailfin.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I had an A.nigricans for about 3 years, and was a great fish. I have a feeling I may have gotten lucky with mine, but was healthy and eating from day one. I ended up selling it when I moved, was getting too big for my tank.

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

I'd say go for the A. Japonicus then! Out of the similar looking Ancanthurus, the A. Japonicus is probably the best choice. Though not an 'easy fish' as I stated before.. Setting up a quarantine is a great idea!! They are fairly hardy once they adapt. If you think you will ever want to add another Tang, I would add them together. My Whiteface won't allow any other Tangs in the tank. He lives with a Hippo but they have been together from the beginning. He nearly killed my Yellow when I attempted to move it from my other tank I moved the Yellow back after about 10 minutes. I have never seen anything so brutal
Since your Hippo is established, it shouldn't be an issue to add the Whiteface to the 90 for now unless there is considerable size difference. Moved together, they will be fine although the Whiteface may become the more dominant of the two. But again. shouldn't' be much of an issue. Its once they become 'established' that you won't be able to add any more Tangs.
Good luck