yellow tangs fighting

[Tangboy]

I have 3 yellow tangs in a 220g FOWLR, however 2 of the 3 are constantly tearing each other apart. They have only been in the tank 2 weeks, and they do not bother the 3rd yellow tang as much. When I purchased them there were 4 in the same tank and I did not witness any fighting. Does anyone think that adding a 4th may in fact put an end to the fighting or create more of a mess. I notice in the stores that they keep as many as 20 or 30 in the same tank and they absolutely do not fight. Any opinions appreciated.

 

[JeffK]

Tangboy, I would tend to discourage adding another tang in the hope that the aggressive behavior you're observing would diminish. I'd be concerned that doing so would be like "throwing another log on the fire."

Regarding the dealer tanks with 20 or 30 conspecifics, I wouldn't use that as a basis for sound permanent stocking practice. If your dealer does a relatively brisk business, fish are most likely moving in and out of those tanks too quickly for territorial aggression to manifest itself. Having been in your display tank for a few weeks, however, your tangs are probably settling in and starting to stake their claims.

Is returning the aggressive fish an option for you? Perhaps you could trade it in for a more peaceful tankmate.

Best of luck!

Jeff

 

[Anonymous]

Correct, Jeff. What you're seeing in such situations is termed "displacement of aggression" - i.e. there are so many fish in the tank that no ONE animal can be targeted. I wouldn't recommend adding a single tang, you might be able to get away with adding two, but they'd better be larger than the present fish. Know also that this could only end up opening another huge can of worms (in terms of squabbling).

The only way I know of to stop this quarreling is to essentially start over, and get three tangs of significantly disparate size.

P.S. I really hope you're quarantining everything before it goes into such a nice, big display.

 

[ozadars]

although tangs are schooling fish, in aquariums they become territorial and go after especially the same shaped tangs. Usually just hippo tangs dont fight, i dont have experience tho. I would take back 2 of these tangs to the store and buy a more passive tang (sure if you still want a tang because i wouldnt add any other) like hippo or naso.

at lfs, there are too much action around the tank, they feel stressed, lots of them get sold in a day, lots of hands touching the glass, nets scare them, overstocked tanks, bad water quality, etc. Under these conditions, they dont think of fighting most of the time.

Good Luck