Scott Michael or Bob Fenner

[TChristman]

I have read several books or articles by both and think they are both great contributors to our hobby. With that said...I am a little confused over a topic they totally disagree on.

Scott Michael states that the Acanthurus nigricans (Whitecheek or Gold Rimmed) is a much hardier selection than Acanthurus japonicus (Powder Brown Tang). Bob Fenner says the exact opposite. Both seem to have strong feelings on the subject.

Any experiences between the two? Experience with either would be great as well. I guess that is what makes this hobby so interesting. Two respected authors with two total opposite opinions on the same species of fish.

Your opinions, observations and experiences are appreciated.

 

[Winwood]

Followed that controversy for a long time. I'm interested to see what people say.

 

[geaux xman]

i was reading on WWM the other day, and they kept on insisting that a very high percentage of powder blue dies within 3 month of captivity.

a lot of the material and Q&A on WWM is very outdated. So I dont know if some still feel the same about certain subjects as they do 5+ yrs ago. Bob Fenner kept on stating that 90% of PBT dies within 3 months of being wild-caught.

with the majority being sold to beginner fish keepers, maybe they really do die at that alarming rate.

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

Was that because it is a fish that requires more experience? They are very ich-prone, as you know, so many may be getting wiped out by too much stress in the hands of the inexperienced (and those failing to quarantine). In addition, in the past many seemed to be in bad shape at stores, suggesting poor collection or handling.

Pbts seem reasonably hardy if collected properly, handled right during the shipment and wholesale process, and then properly quarantined and introduced into a stress-free tank with a proper diet.

 

[nonstopfishies]

Was that because it is a fish that requires more experience? They are very ich-prone, as you know, so many may be getting wiped out by too much stress in the hands of the inexperienced (and those failing to quarantine). In addition, in the past many seemed to be in bad shape at stores, suggesting poor collection or handling.

Pbts seem reasonably hardy if collected properly, handled right during the shipment and wholesale process, and then properly quarantined and introduced into a stress-free tank with a proper diet.

I agree here, but will say I still see a lot of them come into LFS's in very poor shape.

The original post was not about Powder Blues however, though the topic went there quickly probably because they are very similar in care. I think all three types need pretty similar care and are equally as hardy(or lack there of if you don't quarantine one that is doing well already).

 

[TChristman]

Well every fish is a case by case situation but for them to group the species so differently is odd. I agree with a lot that has been said so far and will be able to report soon as I decided to go with Michael's advice and I have ordered a nigricans. I am not saying I am I am Jacques Cousteau but I have several years of experience.

The tank is 400 plus gallons and there are only two small Convict tangs in there now so the acclimation period should be fine. There are other wrasses and basslets but nothing that should be combative. I usually am not a fan of delicate or difficult fish and do not feel that this species falls into that category.

Time will tell and I still look forward to hearing other reefers experiences. I will keep everyone posted as to how the new addition fares.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I had an Acanthurus nigricans about 10 years ago -- give or take -- for about 2 years before it became too big for my tank (( this was before I knew better )), and it was rock solid. I picked it up from LA (( not sure if it was regular or DD, and even if DD was an option back then )), and it went directly into the display tank.
It started eating right away, and always ate with gusto, never saw a spot of ick, and overall was a great fish. Near the end of its time with me it started to get more aggressive; won't have one again until I get an 8 foot tank -- if that ever happens.

 

[nonimmigrant]

i was reading on WWM the other day, and they kept on insisting that a very high percentage of powder blue dies within 3 month of captivity.

a lot of the material and Q&A on WWM is very outdated. So I dont know if some still feel the same about certain subjects as they do 5+ yrs ago. Bob Fenner kept on stating that 90% of PBT dies within 3 months of being wild-caught.

with the majority being sold to beginner fish keepers, maybe they really do die at that alarming rate.

+1 here. I've never met a PBT that I've not liked, but I've refrained from adding any other Acanthurus to my tanks. Now, I'm in a different situation as most of these fish get to me here in China much earlier than they would get to you in the US, but I've not see a large amounts of Powder Browns or White Faces not be willing to eat here. Much depends on transport and the number of lily pads they've had to jump from in order to get to your LFS.