Achilles Question

[Jim]

I recently bought an Achilles tang it's about 3". It's doing well in My QT. He doesn't have the orange tear drop by his tail. Is this because he is young or a female? Will it develop the tear drop?

 

[KathyC]

He is a juvenile. They have just that little 'streak' that you see, which is normal. That will develop into the teardrop as he ages.
Do be very sure to provide LOTS of marine algae for him as they are prone to HLLE , Also a fish that very easily catches Ich, so good for you for running him through QT before adding him to your tank!!

Beautiful fish, best of luck with him/her !!

 

[nycmat]

beautiful fish. i would reccomend a lot of flow and veggies and a uv. good luck

 

[Jim]

Thanks Kathy, I feel better knowing he will develop the tear drop. It really is one of the best features of the Achilles.

 

[Jim]

beautiful fish. i would reccomend a lot of flow and veggies and a uv. good luck

Thanks Matt

 

[Chris Jury]

Ditto the above. These guys are typically associated with fairly strong surge zones (they're a common species here in such habitat, and utterly glorious) and for whatever reason these guys seem to benefit from strong water motion more than any other fish I've had experience with. I'm tempted to say it can be a difference maker in captivity, though other fish species inhabiting the same areas seem much less picky about strong flow...for whatever reason.

cj

 

[1UCKY]

When I bought mine last year, it looked just like yours. It has since grown a huge orange tear drop. My recommendation for this fish is a 240g plus aquarium, great flow, UV, lots of greens soaked in Zoe and Garlic and great filtration....He'll be with me one year next month.

 

[Jim]

When I bought mine last year, it looked just like yours. It has since grown a huge orange tear drop. My recommendation for this fish is a 240g plus aquarium, great, flow, UV, lots of greens soaked in Zoe and Garlic and great filtration....He'll be with me one year next month.

Thanks for the info. After QT he will be in a 300 gal with 4 Mp 40's so I hope that's enough flow.