Achilles or powder brown

[t5Nitro]

Do you guys ever get these in frequently? I want one of the two, can you explain which is a better choice to pick from for care reasons? Thanks. Also, do you get any blue star leopard wrasse into the stores often?

 

[invincible569]

They just had an Achilles in a couple days ago in the Divers Den. Im sure someone bought it within the hour or so. The Achilles costs more $ than the powder. Both fish are very delicate and can catch ick in no time. Have some garlic ready if you decide to get one of these.

 

[stanlalee]

Powder browns (Acanthurus japonicus) are MUCH hardier and have a much better long term success record than achilles. As far as tangs go beyond commonly kept Zebrasoma and commonly kept Naso tangs they are as easy as any other acanthurus. My powder brown is bulletproof. more so than my regal tang. As for achilles their names tell its all. they arent named "weak vulnerable, achilles heel" for their pretty colors.
Must be the season or something but within the last few months every local store I've been too has had a PB available.

 

[dfs/la2]

t5Nitro,

Currently we do have a Rare West African Achilles Tang on our Diver’s Den selection. Diver’s Den items are often purchased quickly. If this fish is no longer available and you wish to be informed of new items being added to our Diver’s Den selection, please feel free to sign up for the email alerts or check back frequently for availability of these specimens on our LiveAquaria site. Both the Achilles Tang and Powder Brown Tang are delicate and would generally require the same care level.

The Blue Star Leopard Wrasse is currently available on our site. As with other species, availability is not always guaranteed and is dependent on several factors. If we can be of additional assistance, please contact us at our LiveAquaria Department at 1-800-334-3699 or via email at customerservice@liveaquaria.com.

Sincerely,

Gwen S.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith

 

[Saldarya]

The Achilles Tang in general is not difficult to maintain in and of itself, but rather its needs are not normally able to be met in most Aquaria. For example, this Tang requires a tremendous amount of flow, chaotic in some areas. This results in a high oxygen content of the water, which again seems to be helpful with them. I have never had any issues with feeding, the normal Tang fare is fine. Concerning the ick issue, this is indicative again of need not being met, the fish stressing out, and then the ick ensues.

For example, I did pick up one of the 2 Achilles that were offered last week. The small (3.5") tang will go into a 100g tank with right below 10,000 gph flowing in and around through it via widely dispersed powerheads resulting in high flow in general, but some areas that could be considered chaotic. The SPS love it and I hope the Tang will too.

Take care!!

 

[stanlalee]

Thats all true but usually anyone interested in an achilles or clown tang ect knows of the highly oxgenated turbulant conditions required to attempt keeping one. I think its a little misleading just to say they are both delicate and require the same level of care for someone who has to ask about the difference in care level. while that may be true (most tangs require the same level of care but there is great differences in hardiness), one is well known to have a high failure rate even amonst experienced knowledgeable aquarist and one just isn't.

 

[t5Nitro]

I asked in the reef fishes forum but no answers, do any of you know if this fish list would be OK for a 125 AGA with 40 gallon sump?

Yellow tang
Powder brown tang
Foxface
2 True percula clowns
Blue star Leopard wrasse and/or copperband butterfly?

Thanks.

 

[dfs/la2]

t5Nitro,

The specimens you have listed can be placed into the same aquarium, as they are compatible with some caution needed. The least aggressive specimens should be added to the aquarium first, followed by the more aggressive specimens.

Joyce F.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster & Smith