Acanthurus Maculiceps Primer

[MitchSutherland]

Thinking about getting one. How do they do with other Tangs? (Acanthurus in particular)? Any tips or anything will definitely be appreciated.

 

[Dmorty217]

Mine is a model citizen. He is in a tank with a Desjaradini, orange shoulder, Tomini with no aggressive behavior. Mine is a pig and eats all day long. They will get big, so if 240g is what your thinking you will have issues in the long run. Mine is already approaching 6" and I have had him for less than a yr. Another yr or two tops before I will have to upgrade to something at least twice the size of what I currently have

 

[MitchSutherland]

What size do they come in at normally? I would go for the smallest possible.

 

[indyjaco]

NYA usually gets them at around 4 to 5" and I have seen DD with 3 to 7" ones. They are an interesting fish.

How big do they get?

 

[MitchSutherland]

I read that about 16 inches is about full grown. NYA says a 100 gallons is the minimum tank size. But going from what DMORTY said you need a big tank. I might get one in my 125 and then when he gets to big, just give him to a buddy who has a bigger tank. But i want my couple years of enjoying too!

 

[MitchSutherland]

Hey Indy any good indiana societies for saltwater?

 

[MitchSutherland]

One question. Why are there color differences between the Maculiceps? I have seen pure white looking ones and the darker gold ones.

 

[Marshall O]

FYI - A lot of seller's give minimum tank size based on the size of the fish they are selling; not the full grown fish! A 16" Tang needs an 8' long tank minimum IMO, and even that may be too small depending on the individual species :/

 

[MitchSutherland]

Oh marshal you are one hundred percent correct. i would never have a fish over probably 8 inches in my tank. Maybe even 7. NOT RIGHT. A 16inch tanks needs to go into a 10 foot in my opinion

 

[Dmorty217]

One question. Why are there color differences between the Maculiceps? I have seen pure white looking ones and the darker gold ones.

If they are stressed they will lose color and appear more white

 

[Dmorty217]

Oh and I got mine when he was 2.5" 10 months ago and he is more like 7" plus not 6"

 

[MitchSutherland]

How much did you pay for him? Get a good deal?

 

[tcmfish]

They can turn solid black depending on mood. Pretty mild.

2 of 4:

 

[MitchSutherland]

You have four?????what size tank? Luckkkky

 

[Dmorty217]

How much did you pay for him? Get a good deal?

Paid 75$ for him

 

[tcmfish]

You have four?????what size tank? Luckkkky

20,000+ gal. system, ~8,000 gal. display.

 

[marinelife]

Will we really see 16" in a home aquarium?

 

[Dmorty217]

Will we really see 16" in a home aquarium?

I say not a chance most all large tangs I have seen in home aquariums don't get much bigger than 12" although hippos and nasos can get bigger. Eric my macula eps has your name written all over it

 

[marinelife]

researching it