Tang Behavior

[trigger11]

I am curious to see what experiences other folks have had with their Blue Hippo Tangs. Or any other tangs for that matter in regards to the fish hiding. I have a 200G tank. I have had an Orange Shoulder tang in there for a few months. When I put him in the tank he did hide for about a day or so but then he came out and swims all around eating algae and stuff. I almost have him eating out of my hand now.
2 weeks ago I got a 4" Blue Hippo tang and it seems like all she does is hide behind the rocks all day. I have only seen the fish try to eat something twice. I am hoping she'll start coming out more and cruising around. Is it common for the hippo tangs to take a long time to get comfortable?

 

[drex]

when acclimating they always wedge themselves into rocks/crevices or lay on the sand..it freaks people out ALOT. mine wedges itself into the same spot every night to sleep..that is just their behavior.however the fish should come out and swim after a few days.mine did right away but its all dependent on the fish. watch its color, they are a great fish that will show you its attitude/health by color. it will be noticeably pale when frightened or not doing good. mine eats like a pig, but again it may take time for yours.they are very prone to parasites and HLLE so make sure your water stays good. hope this helps! what have you been feeding the fish? keep offering a variety. seaweed is a must but use good flakes and frozen foods also.

 

[wangotango]

From what I've seen blue hippos are pretty passive and skiddish and take a little while to warm up to a new tank
I wouldn't be too concerned unless it doesn't come out to eat. Has the orange shoulder been picking on it?
-Justin

 

[trigger11]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/2571397
From what I've seen blue hippos are pretty passive and skiddish and take a little while to warm up to a new tank
I wouldn't be too concerned unless it doesn't come out to eat. Has the orange shoulder been picking on it?
-Justin
No, the Orange Shoulder hasnt picked on it. It is about 3.5 inches and is smaller. In fact, he is so peaceful he swims around with the clownfish a lot.
I really dont know if the Hippo has been eating enough or not. Have had it for about 2 weeks and hardly ever see her. I know where she hides and can see the yellow part of her tail if I look hard enough. She came out a bit earlier today and was looking healthy to me. Guess it will just take some more time.

 

[pjlovesbaskets]

Hippos are typically shy. They can be hard to keep for that reason. I babied my first one until I felt it was strong enough to be removed from QT. I removed him and he lasted a week. He freaked out when I was cleaning the tank and I found him dead the next morning. He was an extreme case though. He associated anything going into the tank with the net that captured him. He would lose his color and play dead even if you put a clip of food in for him.
My new hippo sometimes chases my yellow tangs. He is a bold one. But do watch for others picking on him. They will.

 

[shortbusldtang]

I have had a blue hippo for ab out a week now and let me tell you, these fish are the wierdest but most unique fish i have ever had ... This fish lays on it's side in the middle of the tank. Goes up next to other fish and starts floating sideways next to them. Goes behind rock and lays down at night. This fish has had a horrible appetite since i have purchased it. I only see it eat every couple of days. I'm guessin these t angs take longer to acclimate than others. Seems as if they have great personalities though. GL

 

[trigger11]

Thanks for all of the replies. Sounds like Hippo's definitely have some weird personalities. I have seen my come out and swim around a few more times so maybe that is a good sign. Definitely a beautiful fish.

 

[hobrien]

I have had mine for 2 weeks now as well and it was 2" from mouth to end of tail. The first day it hid all the time which is ok since I keep the lights out when they go in the tank. The next day it was out in the morning when the lights came on and has been out not bothered at all by my kids playing or anything. Also has been eating alot each time I feed the fish. The only one in my tank I was worried about was my Bi-Color Angel that wont eat during the day but eats at night when the lights are out from the vegiclip.