Freaked out Blue Tang??? Normal??

[vision619]

I just bought about a 4" Blue Tang this mornign and after putting him in the tank he is swimming back and forth, up and down all over the tank at a very high rate of speed appearing to be trying to find an exit. I have acclimated quite a few fish in the past but haven't seen behavior this 'intense' as of yet. Is this normal for this species and if so, how long should I expect it to last?
Thanks!

 

[bill109]

im not an expert but it could be normal.
mine did that too.
it lasted a few days. as you may or may not know hippos are touchy/picky
got an pics

 

[mcbdz]

If you haven't already it may help to turn lights off for the rest of the day and just let it rest.

 

[vision619]

Well I'm not even going to try to catch a good shot while he's this active but here you go ....

 

[anonome]

If the hippo is indeed four inches, I am afraid that the tank you have him in is too narrow, and not long enough for him. They are extreme swimmers. At least mine is. I have a 6' long tank and mine will go from one side to the other side in lightning speed, and then back again darting in and out of the rockwork. This is especially true at feeding time. He may slow down after a few days, but may not. You may not be able to house him if he is getting freaked out.
Nice tank though, just not a good fish for that size. Cubes can be difficult, because they have the volume just not the space.

 

[nycbob]

that is one small tank for 2 tangs. its like having shaquille o'neal sleeping on a twin size bed.

 

[ccfl]

I had a yellow tang that did this for days, including rearing up like a wild stallion. It was driving me crazy

, he only did it at one end of the tank right in the front. What I did is I took about 8 veggie clips and loaded them with seaweed and put them all over the front where he was going crazy at and he finally stopped within a hour, the next day I removed the clips and so far he has never done it again (knock on wood).

 

[uberlink]

Your tank is MUCH too small for any tang, let alone two tangs! Fine for your other fish, but those little guys will simply not make it in there. Sorry to say it!