Tang Growth Rate

[Duster]

I realize there can be numerous things that affect the growth rate of fishes, but would somebody be able to give me a general idea on the growth rate of a Regal Blue/Hippo/Palette Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)?
The fish would be introduced to a 4' 75g FOWLR as a 2"-3" juvenile. Assuming excellent water quality and good proper feeding, at what rate could I expect this species to grow? At what size does this species become too large to be happy in a 4' and what behavior will it exhibit if unhappy? Aggression? Color loss? Pacing rather than swimming?

 

[Anonymous]

I realize there can be numerous things that affect the growth rate of fishes, but would somebody be able to give me a general idea on the growth rate of a Regal Blue/Hippo/Palette Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)?
The fish would be introduced to a 4' 75g FOWLR as a 2"-3" juvenile. Assuming excellent water quality and good proper feeding, at what rate could I expect this species to grow? At what size does this species become too large to be happy in a 4' and what behavior will it exhibit if unhappy? Aggression? Color loss? Pacing rather than swimming?

Under ideal conditions in the Ocean (a 75gl tank is not ideal) P. hepatus will reach 12"+ in about 2 years. A 2" to 3" juvenile under your tank conditions and not being able to feed as in the wild will probably reach 6" in about 12 to 18 months. A 75gl tank is way too small for an active fish like a 6" P. hepatus.
You'll find it will suffer declining health or pace the tank.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Duster]

That is what I was afraid of. I know most Tangs should be housed in a 6' or larger, I was just hoping the Regal Blue wasn't one of them. How about introducing a juvenile Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and a juvenile Threadfin Butterfly (Chaetodon auriga) as the main fish in a 75g? I wasn't going to go with a dwarf angel, but if I don't put a Regal Tang in the tank, maybe I will go with a dwarf angel. If a tank with LR were to be running fully stocked for 6 months, 8-9 months total, is this established enough for an angel?

 

[Anonymous]

That is what I was afraid of. I know most Tangs should be housed in a 6' or larger, I was just hoping the Regal Blue wasn't one of them. How about introducing a juvenile Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and a juvenile Threadfin Butterfly (Chaetodon auriga) as the main fish in a 75g? I wasn't going to go with a dwarf angel, but if I don't put a Regal Tang in the tank, maybe I will go with a dwarf angel. If a tank with LR were to be running fully stocked for 6 months, 8-9 months total, is this established enough for an angel?

Too small for both a Z. flavescens and a C. auriga even if they're juveniles.
Go with the dwarf angel, your 9 month old tank with excellent water parameters will be fine.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[fishfanatic2]

Pyramid bfly if your looking for a nice swimming fish that doesn't get too big.

 

[Duster]

I've never seen or read anything on the Pyramid Butterfly, I'll have to look into that. I don't recall seeing any for sale at on-line retailers. I looked into my book "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Bob Fenner. He lists it as a "Questionable Choice", with the scientific name Hemitaurichthys polylepis (often sold as H. zosteri). Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out.