Achilles as first fish?

[Spar]

Am I asking for a life of pain and misery if were to add an Achilles tang as my first fish to my 450g? I plan on having several other tangs (yellow, powder blue, etc.) as well.

 

[jbvdhp]

Yes.

I have a 3.5" Achilles and it became the aggressor very quickly. Beats up my 5" sohal and teams up with my purple tang to beat up my yellow tang, who resides in my sump now. I'd add it last. My guy is effin mean. They're beautiful though.


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[scooter31707]

I would add it last(if possible at the same time). If you just have to have a the Achilles first, buy it small as you can. Then purchase the other Tangs bigger, so they will have a chance. Also use a acclimation box to see how they will react.

 

[ReefPharmer]

I would add the Achilles and powder blue at the same time, closer to the end of your first adding, expecially tangs. I have mine in a 300 and the Achilles and powder blue still dance during light dusk period. Otherwise, no issues

 

[jbvdhp]

I would add it last(if possible at the same time). If you just have to have a the Achilles first, buy it small as you can. Then purchase the other Tangs bigger, so they will have a chance. Also use a acclimation box to see how they will react.

Do you have an Achilles? Size doesn't necessarily equate to subordination or being less dominant. I had a larger Achilles, didn't develop enough of an attitude to become a bully, maybe never would have. It died so I don't know. I have a small Achilles now, and trust me it doesn't care if a fish is bigger than it or not. The eyes don't lie on this fish.


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[Dmorty217]

Small Achilles = attitude and larger ones typically are more laid back

 

[xanthurum]

Bad idea they don't like new fish of any kind once they establish themselves. I once had one attack a wrasse so unrelentingly he toppled rocks onto himself.

 

[ca1ore]

First of all, QT all fish and make sure they are fully recovered from any collection stress and at a healthy weight. If they are, they'll endure that initial hazing much more easily, regardless of addition order. I've had a number of AT and none were hyper aggressive; certainly no more than a yellow or purple. In my current tank, Achilles went in third of five (resistance is futile). Subsequent were a sailfin and a chevron. They got the treatment, certainly, but survived it.

 

[glaukos]

Do you have an Achilles? Size doesn't necessarily equate to subordination or being less dominant. I had a larger Achilles, didn't develop enough of an attitude to become a bully, maybe never would have. It died so I don't know. I have a small Achilles now, and trust me it doesn't care if a fish is bigger than it or not. The eyes don't lie on this fish.


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Indeed,when his eyes turn blue during aggresion times you can reeeeally see his anger:eek1:

 

[bobkill]

Add him last! And be Ich free via q t

 

[Spar]

Before my last 450g broke I had tons of 'aggressive' tangs and they all got along quite well. Perhaps it is the size of the tank that keeps them docile. They were always doing the pecking order game but never transitioned into a fight (to clarify, other than the first day that I would add a new tang... those days were ugly).

Regardless, I am passing on an AT as first fish.

 

[jbvdhp]

Before my last 450g broke I had tons of 'aggressive' tangs and they all got along quite well. Perhaps it is the size of the tank that keeps them docile. They were always doing the pecking order game but never transitioned into a fight (to clarify, other than the first day that I would add a new tang... those days were ugly).

Regardless, I am passing on an AT as first fish.

You know you want it, but just add it last.


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[Paaty]

I would add the Achilles and powder blue at the same time, closer to the end of your first adding, expecially tangs. I have mine in a 300 and the Achilles and powder blue still dance during light dusk period. Otherwise, no issues

+1 Very good advice.

I added my powder blue and Achilles within a week when I upgraded to my 325g and it worked out as they did not have an established territory yet. I added the powder blue first because he was new and then my six year old Achilles a few days later.

They have been together now for over 2 years and they tolerate each other but don't really get along.

I had previously tried adding a pb with my established Achilles a few years earlier in my 220g and my Achilles tried to kill him instantly, I had to remove the pb and rehome him. Once either one sets his territory it is very had to add the other.

Good luck