My Cortez is changing

[michelle l]

Just wanted to share my exitement with some people who may understand....
Today I was looking at my juvi Cortez Angel, and noticed that he (or she) has started to get the "squared off" look on his dorsal fin instead of the round shape he had when I got him. It looks like the beginnings of the shape of the adult dorsal fin that they have after they change color, with the "thread" that extends off the back of the fin (does that make any sense?). I have had him for about 9 months, and when I first got him he was the same size as my flame angel. Now, he has probably tripled in size, more or less. (He's in a 125 gal.)

I am so happy to see that he is doing so well and that he has started to morph into a more adult shape. About how many years does it take to gain adult coloration? (I don't care, I love his juvi colors. I'm just curious.)
Also, as he grows into adulthood, what size tank is optimum for an adult Cortez? Eventually I am hoping to upgrade to a 250 gal., but not for several years. If he needs a bigger tank, I'll go that route.

 

[space_geek]

COOL! It usually takes about a year or so once it starts to change to be in full adult coloration. Yes, it will need a 250 gallon. I would try to have it set up no later than 2 years from now.

 

[michelle l]

Oh oh!! I'll have to get moving sooner than anticipated...!

Do you mean they have about a year once they start to chage shape, or when they start to change color?

 

[beth]

You didn't want to post this in the Fish Forum?

 

[space_geek]

Yeah, I was going to say the same thing, but maybe you (or one of the other mods) could move this for her?

 

[space_geek]

Originally Posted by Michelle L
Oh oh!! I'll have to get moving sooner than anticipated...!

Do you mean they have about a year once they start to chage shape, or when they start to change color?
Doesnt really matter, when ever they even start to change at all, either color or shape. But yeah, I would start planning your bigger tank now!!!

 

[michelle l]

Well, I had thought about the fish forum, but my post started out as just a comment about how happy I was to see the Cortez changing shape because it tells me that he's doing well and growing. I hate to post things in the fish forums if they really don't contain info that can be used by others....then I decided to ask a question at the last minute. You know how that goes, when it comes to fish one question can easily turn into several!
Sorry about that, if the mods want to move the post, then I'd understand completely!