Blotchy Anthias

[prattreef]

Here is a quick shot of my new Blotchy Anthias (Odontanthias borbonius) in acclimation. Thanks to Dennis from Underwater Creations for the opportunity at this rare species. I'll update this thread as things progress.

 

[crox99]

Randy

I am glad you got it:wink1:

 

[sanjay]

Looks good.. did you just get one ?

sanjay.

 

[JHOV2324]

 

[prattreef]

Thanks JP. Yes Sanjay about an hour ago. Jhov why are you mad? RD

 

[tosiek]

Very nice RD. :shocked:

 

[KathyC]

Sweet fish Randy!
A few folks from LIRA got them earlier this year when a shop on the Island got a bunch in. Iashould check & see how they're doing. I know a few people had lost theirs - but other (last I heard) were still doing well.

Best of luck with the cute little guy!!

 

[prattreef]

Yes all info would be appreciated, there is precious little out there on them. I believe Warren has a small school. It also seems like there are far more of these avaiable on the east coast for some strange reason.

 

[JHOV2324]

Thanks JP. Yes Sanjay about an hour ago. Jhov why are you mad? RD

Because when i was asking about this fish i was mislead and told that it cost $300...i did not know that it was possible to get elsewhere for waaaaaaay cheaper...Hale :supermad:

If i can catch my dispar...i definetly want one of these..

I'm going to follow this thread for info. on care and hardiness.

 

[reefman]

nice fish randy
how big is he? he looks hugh.

 

[jhale]

sorry JHOV the fish can cost $300 + it depends where you find them sold.

 

[sanjay]

sorry JHOV the fish can cost $300 + it depends where you find them sold.

Also depends on wether the fish has been held in quarantine or not, and for how long. These fish are notorious for swim bladder issues.

If some one takes the trouble to quarantine them, take the losses that come due to the problems associated with this fish, then I can easily see how the price can be higher vs buying the fish as soon as it comes in. This way you are assuming the risk, and if you loose 2 to get one to live you are getting close to the $300 mark anyway.

sanjay.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Randy good luck with it It looks cool!

 

[pecan2phat]

From what I heard, they are a deep water inhabitant thus the high price tag. They weren't as available as they recently have been and only a few select importers or wholesalers were able to get their hands on them. They once sold for as much as $600 and most went to Japan.
Theory is that the first batch caught in Bali actually strayed up from their natural deeper waters and the collectors didn't really know what they had so they were sold cheaper to the wholesalers and direct importers. Not quite sure about the most recent availability of the species. If divers were going that deep with scuba gear, they would definitely be more then $80 to $150. They are actually pretty hardy after they have acclimated to the tank and surroundings. Biggest issue is swim bladder but I don't really see this since I don't believe they were caught in deep water. PH is a big concern when they are brought in though.
I have a total of 6. Two the first time around then I recently added 5 and four made it. They don't really school and the largest one from the original two keeps the 4 smaller ones in check. I also have them in with some Dispars and they stay out of each others way.

 

[prattreef]

Thanks Warren. What did you do to induce feeding? What do mean regarding pH?

 

[KathyC]

Warren - did you get your original group out on the Island when the others (Reef Junkie & those fellas) picked them up? Any idea how theirs are doing?

Great to hear you are having success with them!

 

[mankc]

Awesome fish randy!

 

[pecan2phat]

Randy,
One of the concerns with initially losing these fish were with direct importers that had them shipped from Bali, hence no reacclimation to new water or O2 in the west coast and they are in relatively small shipping bags for 24 to 48 hours. The bags come in with very low PH and you do a fast drip acclimation and bamm, PH shock.
I really did not induce feeding at all. Each batch that I got in were very shy and hid for 4 to 6 days and I just fed the tank as usual. They eventually starting coming out to feed by themselves. I use a concoction of mysis, plankton, cyclopeez, nori, fish & table shrimp.

Kathy,
I didn't get my first two from Pets Warehouse but I think kigs lost his and haven't really heard about reef junkie's.

 

[prattreef]

Given the apparent interest in this fish, I do need to say that this not a fish to be attempted casually. Very little is known about its captive husbandry, they need to be handled carefully-- preferably QT'd and coaxed to feed. As noted they may suffer from Swim Bladder issues that are not insurmountable, but you need to know how to attempt to deal with them. I've been in this game for nearly 15years and we'll see how I fair. Warren has been at it far longer and Jason of Greenwich Aquaria probably knows more than any of us and his experience has been mixed.

Just a word of caution.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Gorgeous fish Randy!

Excited to see him/her/it in person!