crypt keeper
Active Member
How fast do they grow and what do they top out at?
Growth Rate on Achilles Tang
- Thread starter crypt keeper
- Start date
kjr_trig
Active Member
I would imagine an Achilles would top out between 6-7 inches in your tank. No matter what the purchase size is (at least if it's between 3-5 inches), I believe you will see tremendous growth the first year, then very little after that. Mine was 7 years in the tank I had in Charleston SC, 5 with me and 2 with the previous owner. He was a solid 6 inches of terror.
They are a fish that get much prettier the bigger they get, the brownish tint they have as juvi, turns full on black, and the black/orange contrast is so stunning.
My favorite fish I have ever kept. Wish I could have one now, but it would be a battle to the death between he and my Sohal.
Here is the only picture I have of mine, didn't have much of a camera then.
They are a fish that get much prettier the bigger they get, the brownish tint they have as juvi, turns full on black, and the black/orange contrast is so stunning.
My favorite fish I have ever kept. Wish I could have one now, but it would be a battle to the death between he and my Sohal.
Here is the only picture I have of mine, didn't have much of a camera then.
R
rcreations
Guest
I never had one but I always admired these fish.
bang guy
Moderator
I would expect a healthy, unstressed Achilles to grow to around 7" during the first 5 years and then grow an additional 2 or 3 inches over the next 40 - 45 years.
I don't recommend this fish for the average hobbiest. It is rarely successfully kept. Personally, I wouldn't attempt it.
I don't recommend this fish for the average hobbiest. It is rarely successfully kept. Personally, I wouldn't attempt it.
crypt keeper
Active Member
Why are they hard too keep?
bang guy
Moderator
Originally Posted by crypt keeper
http:///forum/post/3186476
Why are they hard too keep?
I've never kept one but the success rate is very low from what I have seen.
http:///forum/post/3186476
Why are they hard too keep?
I've never kept one but the success rate is very low from what I have seen.
kjr_trig
Active Member
Originally Posted by crypt keeper
http:///forum/post/3186476
Why are they hard too keep?
I think once established they are just as hardy as any fish. I was a complete SW beginner when I took over the tank that had mine, he survived many beginner errors I made. If you can get this fish established, I don't see them as difficult to keep. They all come from Hawaii, so they are properly caught in most cases and don't have to come halfway around the world like a Sohal for example. You are having success with your Emperor, so I know you have quality water conditions in your tank.
I'm not saying the Achilles got it's "difficult" or "expert only" tag for no reason, but I wouldn't be afraid to try one if I were you and you don't mind the hefty price tag.
One thing to keep in mind, in spite of it's fragile rep, this is hands down the most dominant fish I have ever kept, that includes my current Sohal. Mine was wicked to any newcomer for a day or so.
http:///forum/post/3186476
Why are they hard too keep?
I think once established they are just as hardy as any fish. I was a complete SW beginner when I took over the tank that had mine, he survived many beginner errors I made. If you can get this fish established, I don't see them as difficult to keep. They all come from Hawaii, so they are properly caught in most cases and don't have to come halfway around the world like a Sohal for example. You are having success with your Emperor, so I know you have quality water conditions in your tank.
I'm not saying the Achilles got it's "difficult" or "expert only" tag for no reason, but I wouldn't be afraid to try one if I were you and you don't mind the hefty price tag.
One thing to keep in mind, in spite of it's fragile rep, this is hands down the most dominant fish I have ever kept, that includes my current Sohal. Mine was wicked to any newcomer for a day or so.
crypt keeper
Active Member
Thanks Kirk. I try to keep my water as good as I can. Any special diet on these guys?
aquaknight
Active Member
They are a difficult fish, but IMHO they aren't any more difficult than it's really close relatives, the Powder Blues/Browns/Goldrims. Which, fun fact, the Achilles hybridizes with on occasion
.
I think it's just like anything else. Like reviews for online fish stores. Chances are that if someone receives decent service, they not going to blast it everyone online. But someone who had a nightmare with a company, is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
With Achilles, I just think it's more that when someone loses a $150+ fish, they're more likely to tell about it, then someone would loses a $49 Powder Brown...
No special diets needed...
I think it's just like anything else. Like reviews for online fish stores. Chances are that if someone receives decent service, they not going to blast it everyone online. But someone who had a nightmare with a company, is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
With Achilles, I just think it's more that when someone loses a $150+ fish, they're more likely to tell about it, then someone would loses a $49 Powder Brown...
No special diets needed...
kjr_trig
Active Member
Originally Posted by crypt keeper
http:///forum/post/3186676
Thanks Kirk. I try to keep my water as good as I can. Any special diet on these guys?
Mine was a little finicky, and he was pretty hooked on Brine Shrimp from the previous owner which is perhaps why he didn't get to his full size potential. He ate all the usual frozen stuff though eventually. Seaweed/algae is very important to their diet, I put in a pretty big piece about every morning for he and the Naso Tang to eat.
http:///forum/post/3186676
Thanks Kirk. I try to keep my water as good as I can. Any special diet on these guys?
Mine was a little finicky, and he was pretty hooked on Brine Shrimp from the previous owner which is perhaps why he didn't get to his full size potential. He ate all the usual frozen stuff though eventually. Seaweed/algae is very important to their diet, I put in a pretty big piece about every morning for he and the Naso Tang to eat.