What does a fish consider to be a school?

[AuntKaren]

First, I am new to this forum and look forward to learning from this site!

I have been researching for a week now about Atlantic Blue Tangs. I've learned that they do best in schools. My question is ---- just what does a fish consider to BE a school? Is it strictly their genus that they consider to be a school member or are other genuses included? I realize that the tang species tends to be a bit aggressive among members of the same genus and have researched (and researched and researched) until my eyes are crossed! I don't want to put a fish into my tank that will be unhappy or unhealthy. So would an Atlantic Blue Tang school with other genuses of tang?

 

[Anonymous]

So would an Atlantic Blue Tang school with other genuses of tang?

Hi AuntKaren,

I have seen tangs schooling with other types of tangs in the wild, however, you won't see this behaviour in the aquarium, there just isn't the room they need.

If you have a large tank you can add multiple tangs and they will probably get along if you choose your tangs wisely (although it is usually recommended to have different species) and they will sometimes swim together, but you would have to have a truly enormous tank to see any real schooling behaviour.

 

[AuntKaren]

I don't think our tank will qualify as a "truly enormous" but it is a 180 gallon 72" x 24" x 24". LOL that's enormous to us coming up from a 24G nano! We want to put the tangs in first and are considering the Yellow Tang, Atlantic Blue Tang and possibly a Nsao but we are flexible on the third genus. We are in the process of starting up the 180 and we have LOTS of time (probably months) before we introduce fish into the system. So, do you think the Atlantic Blue would "school" with other genuses?

 

[Anonymous]

I think an Atlantic blue tang would live with a few other tangs in a 180 and do well. That's a nice size tank! Three tangs would be a nice number.

I can't really advise what tang combos would do well for you since I have never kept any of those, although I am sure someone will chime in with that. One thing I will say though, is beware getting a fish that will grow large. You would be surpised how small your tank looks when you have a giant fish in it. One of my tangs has grown rather large over the years, and when I look at the tank sometimes all I see is a big fat fish crammed into a small tank, of course my tank is 4 feet compared to your 6 foot one, so you have lots more wiggle room. It's hard to imagine when you get a little tang and put him in your tank how big they get!

I have a 120, in it I have a sailfin tang and a blue hippo tang, they do get along quite well, and sometimes they hook up and swim the length of the tank together, but mostly they just kinda mill around and pick at the rocks. I do believe that in the case of the hippo tang, he appreciates having another large fish in with him. It seems to calm him down. We have had both these fish for 6 years in several different set ups, and the hippo tang always seems much more well adjusted and less "flighty" when he is housed with his bud the sailfin. I don't think the sailfin cares a bit about the hippo though.

They really don't do anything I would call schooling. It seems that fish loose the urge to school in aquariums, as there are no predators to encourage it for defense.

 

[Meloco14]

I agree with Laura. True schooling behavior is rarely seen in home aquariums. Even small, common schooling species like chromis don't often school in our tanks. In your situation I would choose your tangs based on their care needs, size, and aggressiveness, rather than based on the chance that they will school. In very large home aquariums it is possible to get pairs of tangs that may hang out together. But in your tank I would recommend getting 2 or 3 different tangs as you are currently planning. The yellow and atlantic blue would be good choices. The naso gets very large, so make sure you are prepared for this before purchasing one. Many people believe that naso's do not belong in home aquariums. IMO your tank would be on the small side of one suitable for a naso. Other species to consider would be another Acanthurus sp. or a Ctenochaetus sp. HTH

 

[AuntKaren]

Well at last! I have found a forum where you get complete answers to honest questions! I truly appreciate the candor and information you are sharing. I look forward to the day when I can answer someone's question with the same knowledgable answers you have provided! We will take this information into serious consideration when we make our selections and I am sure we will be back asking many other questions too!

Thank you sooooo much!

Anyone else who has an opinion or suggestion is welcome. This is nice!

 

[Anonymous]

The 180 tanks are a really nice size - I think you will love the tank.

I agree with everything that has been stated above - I just wanted to mention that if you are planning on getting any more peaceful fish for the tank, you should consider putting them in first. Tangs boisterous behaviour can sometimes be unnerving to new, shy fish - even if the tang is not overtly harassing them.

jayo

 

[Anonymous]

:welcome: