Achilles in LFS missing spines in tail

[Mike de Leon]

I am continuosly looking for an Achilles Tang. The last one I found was too big for my tank.
I found another one that seems very healthy and is eating already. It's been in the LFS tank for week and no signs of Ich. They say that the tank has copper in it.
Anyway, the spines at the tail on one side is completely gone and on the other side it's been severed in half. There are no signs of damage on the skin or anything.
Will the spines grow back? Will this cause any other problems?
Any thoughts please..
Thanks...

[Amphiprion]

If the damage doesn't reach all the way to the caudal peduncle (fleshy portion where tail meets body), then it should grow back properly.

[J. Montgomery]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9765269#post9765269 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mike de Leon
I am continuosly looking for an Achilles Tang. The last one I found was too big for my tank.
If you thought it was too big for your tank, wouldn't another Achilles Tang grow to that size also? I'm not trying to start something b/c I think your tank is probably big enough, but . . .

[Mike de Leon]

When it finally outgrows the tank two things can happen. One, upgrade. The other, trade fish.
It will take a while before this fish gets too big for my tank.
Cheers!

[Goodwood]

Sounds like a perfect fish, he wont be able to kill anyone.

[zemuron114]

the spines are clipped. Usually divers clip them off under water because they rip holes in nets and can cut you pretty badly. they will grow back. As long as they aren't clipped to short, the fish will be fine :) 135 gallon is pushing it for tank space though. they need lots of room and flow...

[Mike de Leon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9768100#post9768100 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zemuron114
the spines are clipped. Usually divers clip them off under water because they rip holes in nets and can cut you pretty badly. they will grow back. As long as they aren't clipped to short, the fish will be fine :) 135 gallon is pushing it for tank space though. they need lots of room and flow...

You don't think 135 Gal will be okay? There is lots of flow....

[t5Nitro]

You should be OK in a 135. What other fish are in the tank?

[Amphiprion]

Hmm, I have to agree with zemuron--135 is pushing it for this particular species.

[pactrop]

I would also agree with zemuron. They get to be almost a foot.

[zemuron114]

a 1-3" achilles would be fine for a little while, but they are hard to find this small. They are crazy swimmers! need lots of room :)

[Mike de Leon]

Well thanks guys for the reply...

[Mike de Leon]

So what should be the minumum tank size? Is it the volume or shape of tank that's critical? Mine is 6' long so if the fish goes for a quick dash isn't this sufficient?
Also, I do not have the rockwork against the back but right in the centre of the aquarium so there's the back length and the front...

[BrianD]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9769750#post9769750 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by t5Nitro
You should be OK in a 135.

He might be ok, but the achilles wouldn't.

[BrianD]

Mike, you would be best served to pick another fish. The achilles has a woeful record in captivity, and your odds of keeping it long-term in that tank are low at best.

[Mike de Leon]

Well thanks..It's not what I wanted to hear. But will take heed.
Cheers!