Black Tang Owners : Explain the Silver/White Line Under The Dorsal Fin To Me

[nuxx]

Hey guys,

Just ordered a Black Tang from Kevin @ http://www.pacificislandaquatics.com/

He's 4" long and looks great

I have a question about the silver/white line under the dorsal fin on Black Tangs.

What exactly does it do?

I've heard people say it has to do with their mood. How does the line change? Always there? Goes away, gets bigger, etc... Seems pretty interesting to me.

Here's a pic of the one I ordered:

 

[Rea17]

It's always present (more distinct on larger specimens), but they can flash colors in a heightened mood ie. aggression, excitement, and the white will appear more. Idk what else to say, it doesn't "do" anything Google pictures of black tangs and you'll see what I mean.

 

[d-man]

Mine only shows when he's a little ****ed.
Usually never there. Just a 3.5" stealth bomber cruising the tank.
I love mine. He's awesome

 

[nuxx]

Haha thanks guys

The more "white" the more "excited" they are for whatever reason?

 

[Rea17]

Essentially. For some reason mine always shows a very thin white line, and when excited or aggressive it's thicker and brighter - but like d-man posted sometimes the line isn't there unless the fish is in a "mood." All fish are a little different, and tangs change colors based on mood a lot.

 

[nuxx]

Essentially. For some reason mine always shows a very thin white line, and when excited or aggressive it's thicker and brighter - but like d-man posted sometimes the line isn't there unless the fish is in a "mood." All fish are a little different, and tangs change colors based on mood a lot.

Really only noticed the nocturnal coloring on mine before... but I've only had a Yellow and Yellow Bellied Blue before.

 

[Rea17]

It occurs the most on Acanthurus tangs and some Zebrasoma ime.

 

[the808state]

Over 4-5" you see it regularly. on XL specimens it almost looks like algae growing on them (fuzzy feel to it) and gets pretty thick on the big Show size blacks. I think it breaks up the monotony of the black... lol small ones dont have it on a regular basis. I personally dont think it has anything to do with the mood of the fish.

 

[bobkill]

It's just there way to flash- like gems have 'hlle' powders turn white and achillies turn gray

 

[bobkill]

^normal
Flashing

 

[SDguy]

Over 4-5" you see it regularly. on XL specimens it almost looks like algae growing on them (fuzzy feel to it) and gets pretty thick on the big Show size blacks. I think it breaks up the monotony of the black... lol small ones dont have it on a regular basis. I personally dont think it has anything to do with the mood of the fish.

I agree... it's pretty prominent on all the huge ones I've seen.

 

[bobkill]

That's a xl at that time- prob 7.25 - had to sell him to a bigger tank- he is solid black happy - then blue line eating and when aggressive

 

[bobkill]

Make sure to t t!

 

[SDguy]

Shame if it's only a mood thing. An expensive solid black fish... meh. (All my aquariums have black backs )

 

[bobkill]

^^^ mine too , same reason you don't have a wrough iron bf if I recall correctly - not bad to view IMPOSSIBLE TO take pics-

 

[nuxx]

Thanks guys, mine came in today looks great! Nice silver streak!

 

[nuxx]

Seems very light colored from the top half of his body. Think it's just stress from shipping and going into QT?

Sorry for the bad picture (network cam)... trying to give him space

 

[Rea17]

Yup, he looks fine from what I can tell.

 

[nuxx]

Yup, he looks fine from what I can tell.

Was about to type that I was watching him checking out nori rubberbanded on live rock and kept getting closer and closer to eating it.

Just took a bite as I was starting to type lol... now he's going at it full out :dance:

Chevron isn't too sure yet...

 

[d-man]

Lol, peter.
My tank background started blue. Now a multitude of color. But the BT is a true lil bomber cruising the tank. He's awesome