blue tang acting strangely

[blennyluv]

hi
my blue tang is suddenly hiding. i checked her eyes and fins, nothing, no spots. all clear. just hiding, swims fine when i shoo her out. only change has been the addition of a pearlscale butterfly. last night. everyone else seems fine. keeps her top fin up too.
any ideas?

 

[daj0424]

I have a blue tang and a threadfin butterfly. Every once in a while I see the butterfly go towards the Blue tang and they both extend their fins.
It sounds like the blue tang is just scared of the new fish. Give it a few days and make sure you watch close so make sure the butterfly doesnt pick on the Blue Tang when its out.
You may also want to try rearranging the tank and keeping the lights off for a while when you add new fish. It has always helped my established fish get along better with any newcomers as apposed to when I did not do anything.
One last thing. Keep a close eye on your blue tang for ich. They seem to get it very easily when stressed and if you did not Qt your new fish it may have carried ich to your tank. If you need more info on ich read Beth's forum.

 

[blennyluv]

hey, thanks. been there done that with ich. wouldnt be the first time she gotit, but i think you are right. i coaxed her out with some algae sheets, and every time pearls came out she would dash back. added the fish around 1 am. left lights off until 7 am. i think she was freaked out cuz the pearl cruised the tank all night long. maybe blue thought it was the loch ness monster or somethin. but anyway, looks like every one is getting along pretty well. kinda glad someone can put blue in her place. she is so aggressive sometimes!!
also added an air stone, my skimmer seems to be plugged and that perked her up too.
well thanks again!!

 

[beth]

Yes, either being shy or being harrassed. Keep your eyes on the tank wo your fish noticing that you're observing.

 

[blennyluv]

ok, i kinda have been the butterfly does not seem to be harassing anyone, but maybe picking on my red mushrooms?? not touching the toadstool or the colt. do they like the little mushs??
i can move it to my other tank