Aggression???

[L0b0sa08]

Hey everyone.
I wanted to get your thoughts. I have a 56ga tank. I have a clown. A sailfin tang and an emperor angelfish in the tank. They are all juvies. I know I shouldn't have them in there but eventually I'm going to upgrade to a much bigger tank. I noticed little nips from the sailfins top fin towards the back. I don't ever see the fish fighting with each other but every now and then the tang gets these nips on his fins and it takes a while to heal. Not like a normal split that heals within a day or two. Like actual damage. I'm wondering if this is aggression and how to avoid this. Like I said I never see the fish chase each other so I have no idea when this happens if this is the case. Any opinions anyone? Thank you so much!

 

[ncaldwell]

Any pictures? They might be to big for the tank already because it doesn't take long. Is there alot of rock work for them to hide in?

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[Flippers4pups]

No doubt the sailfin is stressed in that size tank. You should reconsider having it in there. Even with the intent to upgrade at some point.

 

[Reef908]

Probably is happening after lights out while they are getting settled where they sleep. Not enough spots or sufficient hiding spots can lead to turf wars for a "safe" spot for the night. Both fish need a large space so hopefully your upgrade is north of 180 gallons if you'd like to keep both long term. I am no where near the tang police but sailfins and the angel get real big.

 

[heathlindner25]

They probably hide a lot when there is a outside present, (from being in a small tank), and settle aggression in private.

 

[heathlindner25]

Do you ever see them "running up and down the corner of the tank"?

 

[L0b0sa08]

I have an image from my phone. If this is the case does anyone have any suggestions? I feel really bad this is going on. Thank you all!

 

[ericarenee]

I have an image from my phone. If this is the case does anyone have any suggestions? I feel really bad this is going on. Thank you all!

RE-HOME those big two big fish.. at least one of them is your only real option.. if you let them continue to grow in that tank until you get a bigger one is bad.
its like letting a dog out of a kennel for the first time if he has been locked up all his life. There will be issues in the larger tank down the road as well

 

[snorvich]

Tank is too small for either fish. It will not end well.