Agressive Blue Tang

[jayr102]

I know a blue tang isn't the most aggressive fish you can buy, but I'm having some problems with mine. Hopefully you guys can help!
I recently added a blue tang to my tank. Now, whenever I add new fish to the tank, he gets really territorial. He'll swim underneath the new fish and "push" them to the top of the tank.
I was hoping maybe if i quarentine him in my extra tank for a while, then reintroduce him after other fish have become established, maybe he wont be so territorial?
Should i try acclimating them together?
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[teaggs]

Originally Posted by JayR102
I know a blue tang isn't the most aggressive fish you can buy, but I'm having some problems with mine. Hopefully you guys can help!
I recently added a blue tang to my tank. Now, whenever I add new fish to the tank, he gets really territorial. He'll swim underneath the new fish and "push" them to the top of the tank.
I was hoping maybe if i quarentine him in my extra tank for a while, then reintroduce him after other fish have become established, maybe he wont be so territorial?
Should i try acclimating them together?
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Rearrange your rock then add him back into the tank

 

[unleashed]

i dont know if this will fit your situation or not but i have had alot of experience with various species of tangs and yes they can all become highly aggressive and territorial to new tank mates.one of the biggest key triggers for tang aggression is competition for food.tangs are continuous feeders and when food is limited to one or 2 feedings per day or less often ,aggression is more likely to take place.tangs should be fed at minimum of 3 times per day and can be fed up to 8 times depending on types of foods filteration and amount of fish ect.giving small amounts of foods multipul timesdaily can reduce the aggressive behavior in just about any fish species..you not technically feeding more food just smaller amounts of it more often.. fish well fed are happy fish and tangs are not happy unless they are eating

 

[matt819]

I think 3-8 times a day is a little ridiculous...but that's just my opinion. I do know they graze all day...and I'm sure they would eat that much...but it's not necessary, I've had mine for well over a year, I feed nori, frozen and flake every other day, and he's nice and bright, not skinny at all. Again, just my opinion.

 

[unleashed]

Originally Posted by Matt819
I think 3-8 times a day is a little ridiculous...but that's just my opinion. I do know they graze all day...and I'm sure they would eat that much...but it's not necessary, I've had mine for well over a year, I feed nori, frozen and flake every other day, and he's nice and bright, not skinny at all. Again, just my opinion.
this does also depend on size of each fish and how many you have per tank the smaller the fish and newly aquired the more often it should be fed as they adjust feeding should be adjusted accordingly this also goes for helping reduce the risk of ich and HLLE in herbivores 2 very common problems reported for captive fish...these fish have very high matabolizms and burn food energy very rapidly.they require by expert oppinon at min feedings of 3 times per day to keep imune system up to peak performance and health

 

[ophiura]

How big is the tank, and what are the other inhabitants?

 

[scubadoo]

Try what has been suggested...but my experience has been sometimes you can get a fish that simply is the bull of the woods. You can put them in a very large system and still they will torment and torture newbies.
The larger the system the better the chance the torment will not be prolonged at introduction...but some can be unrelenting. Also, someitnmes they will simply stop after a day or so..or a couple hours.
There are no absolutes....just ways to reduce the risk of aggression...but some or simply terrorists....you can rearrange rock, submit them to Red Hot Chilli Peper music, shine a metal halide lamp real close...and you will not crack that agression.
As a last resort..try nekid pics of the Golden Girlls...but secure the lids...they may jump out and comit swercide.

 

[eyebedam]

You must burn him with cigarettes untill you have modified his behavior. A couple of good burns & he will act right.
I got an insane blue tang myself so I know where your coming from. Mine has also developed a taste for my corals.

 

[jayr102]

Originally Posted by eyebedam
As a last resort..try nekid pics of the Golden Girlls...but secure the lids...they may jump out and comit swercide.

Luckily I have some of those, I'll try it next time!!