Gem tang

[bullitr]

Not really a biggest fan of tang except Achilles and powder blue but everyone I know go bananas over them. How do you guys feel about it ?

 

[jimmyj7090]

They tend to be a little pricey.

 

[snorvich]

I have had one a long time ago. Ok, but not spectacular from my perspective.

 

[crabbyreef]

They've currently got one at my LFS. The asking price is crazy, like $4k or something. Too rich for my blood.

 

[snorvich]

They've currently got one at my LFS. The asking price is crazy, like $4k or something. Too rich for my blood.

Most likely because of where they originate. They are not particularly rare, however.

 

[RayL]

I really like them, they are my second favourite tang to the Achilles. If I could get one at a reasonable price, I will be picking it up.

 

[ca1ore]

Most likely because of where they originate. They are not particularly rare, however.

I did not realize that; assumed they were narrowly regional and uncommon. Nice fish, but certainly not worth the admission price IMO.

 

[ca1ore]

I really like them, they are my second favourite tang to the Achilles. If I could get one at a reasonable price, I will be picking it up.

I'm on the hunt for a Zebra. Still steep, but not $4K steep.

 

[Rea17]

I did not realize that; assumed they were narrowly regional and uncommon. Nice fish, but certainly not worth the admission price IMO.

Not rare in the wild, just rare to the hobby. Collection is very heavily regulated.

I agree that they aren't a stunning fish based on looks alone, but lots of collectors consider the rarity factor in how "attractive" a fish is as well. If you like the fish and can afford it, get it, if not, then don't

 

[Dmorty217]

Personally I would take a Achilles and a black tang over a Gem. The rarity factor is high for the Gem but the color pattern isn't killing me. I can get a black tang for 4-600$ or I can get a Gem that has the white spots the black doesn't for 2600$ more....

 

[snorvich]

Not rare in the wild, just rare to the hobby. Collection is very heavily regulated.

I agree that they aren't a stunning fish based on looks alone, but lots of collectors consider the rarity factor in how "attractive" a fish is as well. If you like the fish and can afford it, get it, if not, then don't

Amen to this. For me, lots of fish are appealing and are not expensive. Some expensive ones are not appealing or behaviorally infeasible.

 

[small alien]

Personally I would take a Achilles and a black tang over a Gem. The rarity factor is high for the Gem but the color pattern isn't killing me. I can get a black tang for 4-600$ or I can get a Gem that has the white spots the black doesn't for 2600$ more....

I know plenty of Achilles you can get with white spots too.

 

[snorvich]

I know plenty of Achilles you can get with white spots too.

Right. Welcome to the Marine Fish Diseases forum.

 

[Holsteiner]

I actually ended up picking my Achilles over gem tang...I was able to get one at wholesale price (which was still way to much) but just don't think they are spectacular enough to warrant the price.

 

[evolved]

I did not realize that; assumed they were narrowly regional and uncommon. Nice fish, but certainly not worth the admission price IMO.

In addition to being heavily regulated, another factor for them being rare in the trade is the divers down there often have a hard time finding them in their collection area and at the depth they're diving. That's not to imply the species is rare; just sometimes rare in the spots they're looking.

 

[ca1ore]

Yeah, that's a good point. Fish may be common as dirt, but if it lives 400 feet down its going to be rare in the hobby (like peppermint angels).

 

[Dmorty217]

I know plenty of Achilles you can get with white spots too.

Haha yes I know they are more common then not, and they won't cost me 3000$

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

Also its hard to find small specimen. I just got my gem its been on my list of favorite fish for years. I really like the spots.

 

[bobkill]

I am a fan- I just had a OP to get one at cost + a ping pong table - so I pulled the trigger - my little guy in his t t tanks waiting to get thru my qt process

 

[Dmorty217]

Don't get me wrong the Gem tang like all tangs and angels is a stunning specimen and would make a great conversation piece for any tank. Congrats to anyone who has one or is getting one, add some more pics if you have one