Why are Clown Tangs so cheap?

[coral_lagoon]

I always curious about this. Anyone know the reason?

Also which one in your opinion is harder to quarantine and keep? Clown Tang or Achilles Tang? Thanks..

 

[Dmorty217]

i was wondering the same thing about clown tangs, the one that was just on DD was only 40$ or so i believe. As far as which is harder to QT and keep, i think the AT is the harder of the two without question because of how prone to ich they are and how just the slightest stressor will cause the outbreak to occur

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

They are readily available and not in any particular demand.

 

[davidfrances]

Clown tangs eventually become unholy terrors for most people, hence the lack of demand

 

[archangel91]

Besides seeming to always be so cheap, they are one of the coolest looking tangs I think. I really want to get one eventually, but with all of the threads saying aggressive they get as they mature it makes me scared to try one...

 

[sc50964]

They are not hard to find in the ocean, but hard to keep. Other tangs that share similar body shape, such as the sohal or Achilles, are only from either Red Sea or Hawaii. With the availability being controlled, their prices become higher. I have one that's about 8" now. Indeed a punk that gets along with no one, but his colors are so vibrant, which you would typically only get it from very pricy fish.

 

[coral_lagoon]

They are not hard to find in the ocean, but hard to keep. Other tangs that share similar body shape, such as the sohal or Achilles, are only from either Red Sea or Hawaii. With the availability being controlled, their prices become higher. I have one that's about 8" now. Indeed a punk that gets along with no one, but his colors are so vibrant, which you would typically only get it from very pricy fish.

Very cool SC. How long have you had him?What size tank do you have him in, and how hardy is it compared to an Achilles ? Thanks..

 

[sc50964]

I have had him for close to 7 years. He is in my very first fish tank, which is a 4 feet long 60 gallon. He shares the tank with a 5" clown trigger and a tiny damsel. I haven't had other tang like it, so I can't comment on that.

 

[sc50964]

Why are Clown Tangs so cheap?

Here is a picture of him. I bought two kessel a150w for it but he doesn't like lights. So the pic isn't as great as it could be.

 

[coral_lagoon]

Here is a picture of him. I bought two kessel a150w for it but he doesn't like lights. So the pic isn't as great as it could be.

Wow he's show. Congrat's on keeping him so long and healthy..:beer:

 

[CHSUB]

I have had him for close to 7 years. He is in my very first fish tank, which is a 4 feet long 60 gallon. He shares the tank with a 5" clown trigger and a tiny damsel. I haven't had other tang like it, so I can't comment on that.

clown tang and clown trigger in a 60 gallon?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Clown tangs require 240g minimum.

 

[Rea17]

Yup, even Liveaquaria (in the business of selling fish) recommends 250 gallons.

As far as the price goes... They're common and popular due to coloration, but most don't fare well in captivity due to poor husbandry. Unfortunately the price makes them easily replaceable. I personally think that achilles is the more challenging of the two, but with proper quarantine practices, feeding regimen, and tank size even achilles doesn't strike me as "expert only."

 

[Holsteiner]

I've had both, currently just have the 7" Achilles of the two. I ended up giving my clown tang to a client with a 600 gallon tank in his office when it got to be 8". If requirements are met, I haven't had any issues keeping either.

 

[jay13]

So I took the bait and ordered a small clown tang with plans of upgrading to a 300 gallon in a couple years. Was supposed to be small, got here and is all of 5+ inches. In a 180 now and eating off the rocks. Now the rocks are clean. While trying to find him a bigger home anyone have advice as to what they did to get this tang to accept prepared foods?

 

[ca1ore]

Every time I see a clown tang at my LFS I have to remind myself that they are a pain and I should not buy one! I keep repeating this to myself over and over until I finally leave the store. Stunning fish, but .......

 

[HumbleFish]

Every time I see a clown tang at my LFS I have to remind myself that they are a pain and I should not buy one! I keep repeating this to myself over and over until I finally leave the store. Stunning fish, but .......

Had one a long time ago. I probably still have the scars on my hand from the damn thing. Beautiful fish, but never again!

 

[ca1ore]

Had one a long time ago. I probably still have the scars on my hand from the damn thing. Beautiful fish, but never again!

:lol: I had a Sohal one time that I swear waited for me to put my hand in the tank before taking a shot at me. SOB.