Purple Tang vs Powder Blue Tang Difficulty Level?

Of the two, the Purple Tang is much less difficult and hardier. I've had my Purple Tang for nearly a year and he's one of the hardiest fish I've owned. The Powder Blue/Brown and Achilles are quite difficult and considered "Expert" to maintain.

Personalities often vary between fish. I know a fellow who had an extremely skittish Purple, while mine is quick to approach the front of the aquarium and readily eats from my hand.

Both can be aggressive to new comers.

Variety that I feed: Brine & mysis shrimp, bloodworm's, algae sheets, Spectrum +A.

 

Here is a different aspect........

most purple tangs come from the Red Sea.....I seriously feel that they will eventually (maybe very quickly) close the Red Sea....which means the Red Sea Purple tangs will be even that much more valuable!

I had a purple tang (no experience with P brown or blue) but had to get rid of him because he would not allow any other fish to be placed in the tank. If you go with a purple have him be your last fish added (this is my plan!)

 

In my opinion purple tang are not only nicer fih, but much hardier and easier to care for. PBT s require a larger variety of foods, and they easily get ich. The down side- Purple tangs can cost a very pretty penny (150-200). Hope I could help!

 

Both are great fish once acclimated, Like all stated above, the purple is more hardier, and Ive found them to be more personable then a Powder Blue. They usually are easier to get to feed and less prone to disease. Out of the group and my experience, My Purple grew slower.

 

Thank you, great info!

I absolutely agree, they may become even more scarce and/or expensive.

Great, thanks for the insight.

Awesome pic Red, was wondering when you were going to chime in on this thread!