atlantic blue tang

They are extremely, and I mean extremely, difficult to keep alive for more than a couple of months in a glass box. I got in the hobby wanting to keep one. I now have my 3 strikes (for things I really want, 2 for all others) and avoid rule because of that experience.

If you get one from a store, odds are strongly against you having success.

There are a surprising number of Caribbean fish that this applies to, in fact. Big, small, most do not seem to do well.

As for temperament, if it does survive you don't want to add anything similar in shape or color to the tank as it will be aggressive towards them. Otherwise should be fine.

Good luck. I love that fish.
 
Man that's just my luck this fish was on my most wanted list so when I saw it I couldnt resist. I never read any thing about them being hard to keep. Its such a cool looking fish.

Thanks for the info.
 
I have had one now for 2 maybe 3 months and it is doing great "knock on wood" but it is still a young one , still mostly yellow. Ill let you know how this goes for me.
 
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j22/boggerscott/?action=view&current=01-30-09030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j22/boggerscott/01-30-09030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
I got mine about 2+ years ago, it has been a model citizen. I have had zero problems with this one. I had a buddy keep one as well, with the same results. IMO it is an easy tang to keep. Mine is 4+ inches now and has a deep purple/blue color. As for aggressiveness, I can see it being tough SOB. I wouldn't chance another tang of similar shape.
 
I have one for almost a year now. When I recieved it, it was covered in Lympho. It was a mail order through an online vendor. I just made sure he was feed a few times a day and recovred nicely. It was tiny and it grew more than double. Dont feed it a high animal protien diet. Make sure it recieves lots of algae or plant based foods. I feed mine exclusive on Spectrum Flake and Spectrum Pellet with Nori three times a week and so far he is doing well. Mine is also a model citizen and does not chase or bother anyone.
 
Cool I'm glad to hear the good reviews. Bogger thats exsactly what mine looks like. He's in a 75 by himself now and I only plan on adding a couple more fish (non tang). He really hasent come out to eat yet but thats probably because I just got him. I stuck some nori in the tank incase he wants ot eat.
 
Well its not looking good for the tang. I cant get him to eat!!!!! He hides all the time I've been feeding twice a day but when I saw him a little while ago he was really skinny.
 
First thing I tried is nori. and mysis. I also put in live brine shrimp. and flake food I'll try the brine shrimp again I'm not sure if it will work but I've got nothing to loose.
 
Sadly, this is the norm, and it is sad to watch. Those with other experiences are the fortunate exceptions. I post this just for the benefit of future readers who may search for information on this species. It's a gorgeous fish, for sure, with an interesting transition from juvenile to adult.

But the likelihood of success with it is extremely small. For anyone who doubts, you can read Fenner's long, long discussions of experiences with these fish.
 
I think He's starting to eat. Ive been putting Garlic Xtreame in his food for the last couple of days and it looks like he has started picking at the nori. Hopefully its not to late and he keeps it up.
 
I had one of these 10 years ago or more in a fish only tank. I bought it labled as a yellow tang and then realized as it grew that it was an Atlantic Blue. I had it for 3 years or so in a 4' 100 gallon tank. Their care is the same as a purple or yellow tang as far as diet, size and care from what I know.
 
I hope he starts to eat regular because I know Yellow and Purple tanks are pigs and theres nothing better than a fat tang:).
 
Well my tang died this morning. Its too bad he just started eating but I guess to little to late. I may try this tang one day in the future but not any time soon. It was such a pretty fish I was really disapointed it did not make it.
 
That's a shame. I did some reading on these guys yesterday when I saw your post. Man what a gorgeous fish! When I get a bigger tank, I think I may have to try one, as I like a challenge sometimes.

Sorry about the loss. It is a beautiful fish.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14362112#post14362112 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by turtleman10
Well my tang died this morning. Its too bad he just started eating but I guess to little to late. I may try this tang one day in the future but not any time soon. It was such a pretty fish I was really disapointed it did not make it.
Click to expand...

I certainly feel your pain. Times 3. Very sad, indeed.

I was hoping yours would make it when you said it started eating.
 
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