True Personifer Info Thread... Post your pictures and experiences

[ghstrider]

I know a few reefers have these angelfish and I'd like to hear from you guys as I'm sure others would as well... Any info you can pass on like how long you've had him, what size did you buy him, what he's eating, when did the black stripe set in, tank size, notable tankmates, pictures, etc.

I know several people have the meredithi but I dont see alot of info on here from the personifer owners with exception of a few. I thought this would be an interesting thread for an interesting species.

I'll start off... I just received a 3.5" juvie yesterday and he's already aggressively feeding in quarantine. He's housed in a 55g QT with live rock, a pair of mj1200s and a hob filter. this will be his home fopr about four weeks till my new 150 g setup is up and running and all my livestock from my current 72 bowfront goes in.

video to come...

[ghstrider]

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/3945fd66.mp4

[tcmfish]

Can you just use the image tag on your photobucket account? It has a link you just copy and paste right on the page of your pictures. Thanks, cuz I can't see your pic and don't feel like downloading it to my comp.

[ghstrider]

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/3945fd66.mp4

[Recty]

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/th_3945fd66.jpg (http://s1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/?action=view&current=3945fd66.mp4)

[ghstrider]

My personifer is still kicking butt eating well. No stripe yet though and he's approaching 4" and has some serious girth on him. He does not eat any pellets but loves spirulina flakes, and any frozen or live foods especially PE Mysis and ON Angel Formula. I'd like to see some maturation pics of other personifers so if you have some or would like to post about yours (any info) please do!!! I will try to get some close ups later today of my little guy.

[geaux xman]

dumb question.

what is the difference between a true and a false personifer?

i see LA selling false ones?

[agreeive?fish]

dumb question.

what is the difference between a true and a false personifer?

i see LA selling false ones?


visually its basicly the vertical black stripe on the tail.

i think (don't shoot me if i am wrong) but the true prefers slightly cooler water than the false

[ghstrider]

The stripe in the tail is a dead give away but as juveniles its all about where they are collected. Im sure some of the experts will chime in but the True Personifers are only found in the cooler waters of specific areas of western australia. I also believe there are subtle differences as they get large such as a more colorful mask for the false than the true personifers.

[ENTMogul]

Cool thread. Why don't we make this a rare angel thread instead of just a personifer thread. Post some info and pics of all your rare angels... Wider reach ;)

I'll post some pics in the next couple of days.

[flameangel88]

I didn't want to hijack jawsee's C. personifer thread so I'll post here.

ENT--I noticed you wanted to pair yours as well and I was surprised to see it was still available when I went to DD site on New Year's day. Sorry, hope you will find one soon.

I felt 2.5" was a good size and not realizing that was the last one on DD I ordered the personifer on Jan 1st. It was exactly 21 days after DD posted for sale as I wanted to forego the QT and go straight into the DT as I've done with the 3.25" one.

She was eating flakes and nls pellet on the 3rd or 4th day but after starting her on frozen she doesn't eat the pellets anymore.

Received on 1/4 and looks like she grew a 0.25" since DD first post it
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_7387.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_7386.jpg

1/10 when I received the 12x6x6 container and she was transferred from my homemade.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_7404.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_7399.jpg

today eating a mysis cube video--click on pic
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/th_100_0262.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/?action=view&current=100_0262.mp4)


My plan is to keep her in the container for another 4-5 days before letting her out. This way it's easier to monitor and feed her. I'll post pics once she comes out.

[ENTMogul]

My plan is to keep her in the container for another 4-5 days before letting her out. This way it's easier to monitor and feed her. I'll post pics once she comes out.

No worries! I'm glad she went to someone who knows what their doing!

I've struck a relationship with copps and apparently LiveAquaria have Personifers coming. This will be a good year for rare fish.

I am also looking for a few others. Shoot me a PM and I'll tell you what I'm up to if you are interested.

[geaux xman]

are the personifer seasonal? i hardly ever see them online nor at the LFS. or is it rarely ever in stock year round?

[ENTMogul]

are the personifer seasonal? i hardly ever see them online nor at the LFS. or is it rarely ever in stock year round?

Very rare but they are starting to come to the US more.

[ghstrider]

Im gonna snap some new pics of mine tomorrow.... Shes become a total hog and eats everything except pellets and has some serious girth to her. Id love to see more detailed pics of everyones Personifers if you can post them.

Good job flame with yours. She seems to be growing nicely. Any stripe yet?

[flameangel88]

Thanks. No, the younger one (2.75") doesn't have the stripe yet but she's eating pretty well and growing fast. The first one is eating eveything but the newer one is not touching any pellets yet. I must say they grow pretty fast.

The smaller one was kept in the isolation box for 9 days and with the few extra days I must say the other fishes has accepted her much better..

[ENTMogul]

flame let's see some pictures of the two together!

Thanks. No, the younger one (2.75") doesn't have the stripe yet but she's eating pretty well and growing fast. The first one is eating eveything but the newer one is not touching any pellets yet. I must say they grow pretty fast.

The smaller one was kept in the isolation box for 9 days and with the few extra days I must say the other fishes has accepted her much better..

[flameangel88]

Hey ENT, here you go. It's easier to see their interaction on video but it's hard to capture the stripe with the crappy cam.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_7410.jpg

<embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid75.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi287%2Freeftankpix%2F100_0274.mp4">

[geaux xman]

nice video! thanks for sharing...

so the big one in the front is a false?

you have a pair of false and a pair of true personifers?

[flameangel88]

Yes, the 2 smallest are true and the 2 largest are false. The pair of true can be seen from the begining, 19s and 40s mark.

Got the false back on May and Oct of 2008 and both were 3" when I received them. The largest is about 6-6.25" now and the other is 4.25-4.5". The personifers were listed as 3.25 & 2.5" but grow a bit since and are 3.5-3.75 & 2.75"+ respectively.

They get along for the most part but have their moments of quick chases here and there but I must say the smallest one was not afraid and holds her ground pretty good. I kept her in the acclimation container much longer than any other fish and I think this may have lessen the aggression from others when she was released.

[ghstrider]

flame, awesome man!! Can you give us some tank details like tank size and dimensions, skimmer,livestock, etc...

I'll take some better pics and video of mine interacting with the blueline in the coming days. Oh, try finding live bloodworms for them. I think thats whats gotten mine so thick.

[ghstrider]

ENT, when are we gonna see some pics of your fish and setup???

[flameangel88]

The tank is a standard 180 (72x24x24) and started out with Tunze 9010 skimmer then added a Bubble Master 200 as the bioload increased. My plan is that the meredithi pair and semilarvatus will stay and the rest will go into the new system once the upgrade is complete.

The current angel mates are: pair of Blueline, pair of lemonpeel and trio of flame. The other pair is magnificent foxface.

[ENTMogul]

ENT, when are we gonna see some pics of your fish and setup???

I would love to see my fish myself! I haven't been in FL for 3 weeks and don't plan on going back for a few months.

I may set up a smaller tank in Manhattan while my "project" is under construction so I can bring up the Personifer and Scribbled.

I'll ask someone to take pics of my fish next time they are in my house in FL.

[ENTMogul]

Flame, awesome looking fish. That first photo looks like they are a natural pair!

You should post on Jawsee's thread see what he thinks.

[flameangel88]

Ent, will do in couple of days. Few days ago I noticed a very faint line on the tail and looks more like what the other one went through. If the stripe is coming it should only take a few more days to confirm.

[ghstrider]

Here you go.... He seems to be about 3.75" and no sign of any stripage yet

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/DSC01029.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/DSC01031.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/DSC01030.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/DSC01033.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/DSC01039.jpg

[flameangel88]

Thanks for the pics. As for the stripe once it starts to show it comes like overnight.

[ghstrider]

The following is an excerpt from an email from LA in which Kevin Kohen went into detail regarding differences between the two species of personifers. I contacted LA after noticing that mine was getting bigger and hadn't developed the well known stripe. Kevin informed me that even though most get the stripe some do not and that there are many other defining characteristics to determine whether it is a true personifer or not. Here is what they sent me... (They are awesome)


"Kevin Kohen has provided us with some example images of fishes for both species: False Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodontoplus meredithi and Western Australian True Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodontoplus personifer, all of which are about the same size specimens.

In addition, he mentioned that he in the process of preparing an article on the morphology and distinguishing characteristics of these two species in an effort to dispel some myths and hopefully add to the scientific and taxonomic literature on these fishes.

Attached are numerous images of both species, including the image that that you provided.

There are a few distinct differences between these two species that can be easily seen when they are young which include:


1) Western Australian True Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodon personifer have a distinct yellow and white first dorsal spine, where as C. meredithi have a black first dorsal spine.

2) Western Australian True Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodon personifer have a distinct yellow pectoral fin (side fin) with varying thicknesses and shades of black at the peduncle (where the fin meets the body). Chaetodon meredithi have an all black pectoral fin outlined in yellow.

3) Chaetodon meredithi have a distinct, dark black mark that resembles a spot in the same coloration as the fishes’ main body, which resides close to the base of the yellow pelvic fins on the fishes’ chest. Chaetodontoplus personifer lack distinct mark.


These are the major characteristics that Kevin has identified which differentiate these two species when they are juveniles, small females, or immature males and can be observed when the fish are in the 3-10 CM range."




My next post will include several pictures of True Personifers while the following post will have several False Personifers. These photos are mainly Liveaquarias and a few of mine.

[ghstrider]

True Personifers

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/WA_TruePersonifer_1.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/WA_TruePersonifer_2.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/WA_TruePersonifer_3.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/WA_TruePersonifer_4.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/WA_TruePersonifer_5.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/DSC01029-1-1.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/DSC01033.jpg

[ghstrider]

False Personifers or "Chaetodontoplus Meredithi"

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/FalsePersonifer_C_meredithi_2.jpg

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y364/garcia751/FalsePersonifer_C_meredithi_1.jpg

[skibum9884]

Interesting, between the dorsal spine and the pectoral fins I now think it's extremely easy to differentiate between the 2! Thanks for this!

[ENTMogul]

Had some pics emailed from Florida today. Still no stripe!

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=CIMG0384.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/CIMG0384.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=CIMG0389.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/CIMG0389.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Can't wait to get these Aussie guys brought up to NYC.

[DFS]

The following is an excerpt from an email from LA in which Kevin Kohen went into detail regarding differences between the two species of personifers. I contacted LA after noticing that mine was getting bigger and hadn't developed the well known stripe. Kevin informed me that even though most get the stripe some do not and that there are many other defining characteristics to determine whether it is a true personifer or not. Here is what they sent me... (They are awesome)


"Kevin Kohen has provided us with some example images of fishes for both species: False Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodontoplus meredithi and Western Australian True Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodontoplus personifer, all of which are about the same size specimens.

In addition, he mentioned that he in the process of preparing an article on the morphology and distinguishing characteristics of these two species in an effort to dispel some myths and hopefully add to the scientific and taxonomic literature on these fishes.

Attached are numerous images of both species, including the image that that you provided.

There are a few distinct differences between these two species that can be easily seen when they are young which include:


1) Western Australian True Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodon personifer have a distinct yellow and white first dorsal spine, where as C. meredithi have a black first dorsal spine.

2) Western Australian True Personifer Angelfish- Chaetodon personifer have a distinct yellow pectoral fin (side fin) with varying thicknesses and shades of black at the peduncle (where the fin meets the body). Chaetodon meredithi have an all black pectoral fin outlined in yellow.

3) Chaetodon meredithi have a distinct, dark black mark that resembles a spot in the same coloration as the fishes’ main body, which resides close to the base of the yellow pelvic fins on the fishes’ chest. Chaetodontoplus personifer lack distinct mark.


These are the major characteristics that Kevin has identified which differentiate these two species when they are juveniles, small females, or immature males and can be observed when the fish are in the 3-10 CM range."

Sorry for the typos in the email reply, all of these should read Chaetodontoplus not Chaetodon. I hope this information helps everyone differentiate between the two species.

Happy Fishkeeping!

[flameangel88]

It's been a little over six months since the first one (3.5") came in and a little over 5 months since the second one (2.5") came in. Both are eating pretty well and the larger personifer has outgrew the smaller meredithi even though the meredithi was about 0.25" bigger 6 months ago. Both had their stripes formed 3 weeks into the tank and the stripes (was pretty thin on both) came and went. Ive to look very close to see the very light line there and both appears to have more yellow on their body now. Anyone else experience this with their personifer? Would love to see updates from others.

1/20
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_7410.jpg

last week
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_9005.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_8976.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_8985.jpg

[ENTMogul]

It's been a little over six months since the first one (3.5") came in and a little over 5 months since the second one (2.5") came in. Both are eating pretty well and the larger personifer has outgrew the smaller meredithi even though the meredithi was about 0.25" bigger 6 months ago. Both had their stripes formed 3 weeks into the tank and the stripes (was pretty thin on both) came and went. Ive to look very close to see the very light line there and both appears to have more yellow on their body now. Anyone else experience this with their personifer? Would love to see updates from others.



I was told mine still has no stripe but there is much more yellow in the head now. I just picked up another rarity we will post pics of in about a month when he is out of qt.

I'll try and get some new pics of the Personifer

[geaux xman]

how come true and false personifers are so hard to come by? nyaquatics had a few, but i wasnt ready for them. they're all sold now.

i might've seen 1 true and 1 false personifer on LA all this yr.

[ENTMogul]

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=DSC_0994.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/DSC_0994.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=DSC_0999.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/DSC_0999.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Pictures were taken before the tank was cleaned... don't ask me why.

I'll try and get some better ones soon of the Personifer, Scribbled, and my new addition who is in qt right now!

[ENTMogul]

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=DSC_10061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/DSC_10061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Great Picture! could be brighter though...

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=DSC_1008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/DSC_1008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Favorite yet! Follow the leader....

[ENTMogul]

any updates? flame??

[geaux xman]

any place with one for sale??

[ENTMogul]

not that I know of. They are rarely available. I do believe Divers Den will have one or two over the course of the year, but don't hold me to that.

[flameangel88]

any updates? flame??

The black stripe faded and is very difficult to see plus the smaller one is getting more yellow on the body. I'm not sure if this is normal but both are eating good. Both gets along with their tankmates pretty well.

Shooting you a PM, let me know what you think.

[geaux xman]

i know its not possible to come up with an answer, but how many True Personifers do yall gather aquarium hobbyist in the U.S have? 50, 100? all this yr, i think only one, maybe two have showed up on LA/DD.

the question just came to mind b/c i'm watching a youtube clip from a member here from the U.K and in his comments, "U.K's first True Personifer Angelfish"

[ENTMogul]

In QT right now. Juvenile Holacanthus Africanus.

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=africanangelfish002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/africanangelfish002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Thanks to my fish guy for finally taking a picture!

[ENTMogul]

i know its not possible to come up with an answer, but how many True Personifers do yall gather aquarium hobbyist in the U.S have? 50, 100? all this yr, i think only one, maybe two have showed up on LA/DD.

the question just came to mind b/c i'm watching a youtube clip from a member here from the U.K and in his comments, "U.K's first True Personifer Angelfish"

I believe LA DD had 5 or 6 small (2" - 3 1/2") and maybe four large (5" +) in 2010.

I'm not sure how many are in the U.S. but I know four members on RC that live in the U.S that have one or two. Unfortunately one of the True Personifers passed away earlier this year (so now I know three members). I'm sure there are more on RC that have one in the U.S. but I honestly can't tell you that for sure.

Btw, I know exactly what clip your watching.

[JM68]

any place with one for sale??

My lfs here in nj has one still from the last shipment that came in a few months ago. Its a decent size at about 6". I believe they just reduced the price to $999. If you want pm me and ill give u specifics, they will ship.

[ENTMogul]

My lfs here in nj has one still from the last shipment that came in a few months ago. Its a decent size at about 6". I believe they just reduced the price to $999. If you want pm me and ill give u specifics, they will ship.

Are you sure it is a Personifer and not a Meredithi?

[ENTMogul]

the question just came to mind b/c i'm watching a youtube clip from a member here from the U.K and in his comments, "U.K's first True Personifer Angelfish"


I believe this is what you are watching

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IZxcEgsUtpg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[jawsee]

Hi Flame, i never noticed that the stripes went away,they are now aprox 5 mm thick,the only thing thats worry my is mine never gets real black,all the other angels are top on color so food is no problem,mayby i should drop the temperature,mostly it is around 25 C.

The biggest personifer is now the biggest angel in the tank and still growing fast.

It's been a little over six months since the first one (3.5") came in and a little over 5 months since the second one (2.5") came in. Both are eating pretty well and the larger personifer has outgrew the smaller meredithi even though the meredithi was about 0.25" bigger 6 months ago. Both had their stripes formed 3 weeks into the tank and the stripes (was pretty thin on both) came and went. Ive to look very close to see the very light line there and both appears to have more yellow on their body now. Anyone else experience this with their personifer? Would love to see updates from others.

1/20
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_7410.jpg

last week
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_9005.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_8976.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/reeftankpix/DSC_8985.jpg

[ENTMogul]

In QT right now. Juvenile Holacanthus Africanus.

<a href="http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/?action=view&amp;current=africanangelfish002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i386/ENTMogul/africanangelfish002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Thanks to my fish guy for finally taking a picture!

Man this friday sucks! Fish guy informed me my Africanus did not make it. Woke up this morning little guy was covered in spots and didn't make it past a few hours... very weird considering he was running cupramine for 3 or 4 days already.

[flameangel88]

Jawsee, thanks for your update. I noticed my personifer pair is not as dark as my meredithi pair.

[geaux xman]

bluezoo just put up a big inventory of c.meredithi. i ordered a "large" one.

hope it works out well!

[Rahul]

Hi does anyone's Personifer have the yellow spots on the face yet?

Mine is a good 5 inches. The black band on the tail is now 1 cm thick.

Body shape indicates it as a male. But it does not seem to have any yellow spots on the face yet.

Having a similar size Meridethi in the same tank, I have also found the Personifer to be a shade lighter at times.

[JM68]

Are you sure it is a Personifer and not a Meredithi?

Positive. They got two when the shipment came in a while back the first was smaller and sold right away, the bigger one is still there. Full black line through the tail. Great looking fish.

[geaux xman]

$1K is more inline with true personifers.

i bet if they did online sales, it wouldnt last. theres always someone willing to spend some big bucks on a rare fish.

[ENTMogul]

bluezoo just put up a big inventory of c.meredithi. i ordered a "large" one.

hope it works out well!

Congrats! Please keep us updated with lots of pictures!! :celeb1:

[JM68]

$1K is more inline with true personifers.

i bet if they did online sales, it wouldnt last. theres always someone willing to spend some big bucks on a rare fish.

i'm sure it would, its tough to move expensive fish like that in a local market. They were asking 1500$ at first but it has since come down to 999$ since its been there for a while.