Aggressive Tang

[hilde123]

I have a 180 gallon mixed reef with about 300# of liverock (plenty of hiding places). Currently I have the following fish: Clown (2"), Mandrin Goby, and Powder Blue Tang (2-3") . Two days ago I added a Yellow Watchmen Goby (2") and immediatly the tang started nipping and chasing the goby all around the tank. Eventually the tang chased him up to surface and he jumped into the overflow (I still have to retrieve him). Are Powder Blue Tangs usually so aggressive? I really would like to add some more fish but dont know how to stop the Tang from attacking. Is there something I can do to alleviate the problem, maybe adding the new fish in total darkness so the tang can not see the new fish and it can acclimate overnight.

I have ordered a Chevron Tang (2-3") which I will have in a week or so and will be adding after 2-3 weeks of QT. I will be really angry if the Powder Blue Tang kills a $130 Chevron. Ayy help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ThrowinRoost89]

yes poweder blue's are verrry aggressive.

try putting a mirror up agains the glass, he will hofully bully himself wile the goby is left alone.


i had to do that to mine when i put in a copperband butterfly

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

PBT are notoriously aggressive. Adding him so early was a mistake. I say if you just drop the chevron in you have at least a 50% chance the PBT will kill him. If you think he's aggressive towards this goby, just wait until you introduce another tang, or any fish with the same body shape (angel, butterfly). It will get a whole lot worse.

If possible, I would recommend removing the PBT and keeping HIM in the QT for a few weeks instead of the chevron. Depending on what other fish you are planning on getting, he should probably be re-introduced as the LAST fish in the tank.

 

[Reeftanks6]

Yes they are usually aggressive should not be one of the first fish into a tank because of that. If i where you i would remove the PBT and put him in the qt tank and then wait till you are not adding any more fish and then reintroduce him into the tank. this should let your fish be fine in your tank.

 

[rbursek]

Turning off the lights for a day or two may help.

 

[Reeftanks6]

may help. good luck keep us updated.