Gem Tang in person.

[A sea K]

Saw my first Gem Tang in person yesterday and I see what the fuss is all about. I've seen plenty of pics and must say in person these fish are stunning, I was truly impressed. It was already sold though, not that I would ever splurge on such a purchase anyway.

Also in the store was a tiny captive bred Flame Angel, supposedly only one of two in the US and I believe they acquired him from Germany. He seemed very healthy and content.

No fish purchases but I did grab a few corals while I was there. All in all a pretty cool day at the fish store.

 

[dweber618]

I think I've seen a couple captive bred flame angels on Divers Den lately, so there are most likely some others out there.

 

[Moort82]

I must admit after seeing several gems in the flesh I really don't get what the fuss is about. The same goes for black tangs and those horrible tricolours. Would rather have a nice scopas any day. I think it's great if you truly love the fish to get one but I much prefer my marine betta as the colours are far brighter.

 

[Dmorty217]

I must admit after seeing several gems in the flesh I really don't get what the fuss is about. The same goes for black tangs and those horrible tricolours. Would rather have a nice scopas any day. I think it's great if you truly love the fish to get one but I much prefer my marine betta as the colours are far brighter.

Well thanks Moort... I have a black and a Gem, so what are you saying!!??? Lol. I have a soft spot for black and white fish... bandits, Griffis, personatus...As for the captive bred flames, they come from RCTHawaii, not Germany. He often doesn't even list them as captive bred when he sells them.

 

[ca1ore]

I would love to have a gem, but not inclined to take the risk at the moment with three already resident zebrasomas in my tank. Does the gem 'fade' over time?

 

[Dmorty217]

I would love to have a gem, but not inclined to take the risk at the moment with three already resident zebrasomas in my tank. Does the gem 'fade' over time?

I have only had mine since April but I think his colors are only getting more striking. Their bodies have a blue hue to them as they mature. Mine has easily grown a inch or more since I got him

 

[Ross33]

Did you get a pic of the captive bred flame angel?

 

[A sea K]

As for the captive bred flames, they come from RCTHawaii, not Germany.

I'm fairly certain the shop owner said Germany but I could be wrong.

Did you get a pic of the captive bred flame angel?

No Ross, sorry but I did not. He was quite small and as I expected or should say have noticed with other captive bred species the colors are somewhat washed out otherwise he looked healthy to me from a casual glance.

 

[ThRoewer]

... I much prefer my marine betta as the colours are far brighter.

I totally agree. Plus it's behavior in a tank is more natural and interesting.
Marine Bettas are perfect reef tank fish, safe to everything but shrimp. And they can be captive bred which makes them also sustainable.
On top of all they are quite different in their appearance from most other fish.


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[Dmorty217]

I'm fairly certain the shop owner said Germany but I could be wrong.



No Ross, sorry but I did not. He was quite small and as I expected or should say have noticed with other captive bred species the colors are somewhat washed out otherwise he looked healthy to me from a casual glance.

That could be true. RCT has been doing it for awhile now is all I do know.

 

[Moort82]

Well thanks Moort... I have a black and a Gem, so what are you saying!!??? Lol. I have a soft spot for black and white fish... bandits, Griffis, personatus...As for the captive bred flames, they come from RCTHawaii, not Germany. He often doesn't even list them as captive bred when he sells them.

No bud, if they are your thing then i'm glad you appreciate and enjoy them like a true collector (what I don't so much admire are those that use them as status symbols). It would be boring if we were all the same. I'm a bit odd and love cheap damsels which pretty much no one else does. I'd also rather have a multibar than a peppermint angel so its best to ignore my opinion.

The larger gems I've seen haven't been as nice as the tiny ones (larger may take a harder time acclimating or might hang around longer I guess) but I've heard people who have them say the colours get better.

 

[d-man]

I love both my gem and my black. They are great fish, hardy and very docile.

My black is a large stealth bomber cruising through the tank. He's also my 2nd largest fist behind my fowleri. He is probably 5" now and maybe was 3" when I got him 3yrs ago

My gem hasn't grown much in 2 yrs. got him at about 3" and he's maybe 3.5" if that.

 

[Jeff4777]

Gem Tangs are really nice but I would rather spend that on coral or other livestock/equipment. I'll drool over them anyways

 

[robs.mark]

Ive seen one over here in 8 years of interest. We just dont see them, i have seen a couple of rostratums though.

 

[mike61289]

I saw my first gem tang a couple of months ago. I didn't think it was anything spectacular personally. I've also seen many black tangs of all sizes and love the smaller individuals. The only issue I have with the black tang is that it just isn't very visible in any tank setting you put it in because of its coloration. It blends in too well with its surroundings.

 

[d-man]

I saw my first gem tang a couple of months ago. I didn't think it was anything spectacular personally. I've also seen many black tangs of all sizes and love the smaller individuals. The only issue I have with the black tang is that it just isn't very visible in any tank setting you put it in because of its coloration. It blends in too well with its surroundings.

Disagree. My blue background, with fairly minimal rockwork allows me to view my BT all the time. It's awesome when he comes cruising out of the rockwork like a stealthbomber.

 

[Dmorty217]

Disagree. My blue background, with fairly minimal rockwork allows me to view my BT all the time. It's awesome when he comes cruising out of the rockwork like a stealthbomber.

+1 I'm in the process of removing a few hundred pounds of rock to rescape and my 2.5" black is always out and about in my tank.

 

[ca1ore]

I have only had mine since April but I think his colors are only getting more striking. Their bodies have a blue hue to them as they mature. Mine has easily grown a inch or more since I got him

That's good to know. Pics?

 

[d-man]

I've had mine for 2 or 3 yrs now.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Am I really reading a thread about a gem tang without any pics...?!
LOL