Blue Tang Gone Bad

[reeferfoust]

Hello Reef Central,

I have a problem with my 4 in. Blue tang in my reef tank. A couple weeks after purchasing the fish, I realized that it had been nibbling at all of my zoanthiads that I have. Can anyone give me some advice to fix this problem or do I just need to get rid of the fish entirely? I have been feeding it very regularly flakes, brine shrimp, and dried seaweed off a veggie clip as well.

 

[MoneyGone]

Mine really liked the expensive ones. He had to find a new home.

 

[ca1ore]

Assuming you mean the Hippo Regal blue Tang (as opposed to the Atlantic Blue Tang) - yes, they are idiosyncratic and can absolutely be a pain. I suspect removal will be the only effective recourse.

 

[reeferfoust]

Yes it is a Hippo Regal Blue Tang, thank you for the response! Bummed out that I have to decide between what I would like to keep.

 

[Betta132]

Brine shrimp is very low on nutrients, unless it's just-hatched baby brine shrimp. I'd suggest feeding mysis instead, mysis shrimp is very nutritious.

 

[snorvich]

Brine shrimp is very low on nutrients, unless it's just-hatched baby brine shrimp. I'd suggest feeding mysis instead, mysis shrimp is very nutritious.

Well, the reason it is sampling zooanthids is most likely because the tank size is insufficient and that there is inadequate natural algae. When hungry for the proper food (meaty food won't cut it), they eat the zooxanthellae found in corals, especially "tasty ones" like zooanthids.

 

[CHSUB]

Well, the reason it is sampling zooanthids is most likely because the tank size is insufficient and that there is inadequate natural algae. When hungry for the proper food (meaty food won't cut it), they eat the zooxanthellae found in corals, especially "tasty ones" like zooanthids.

Interesting thought: tank size and lack of microalgae the cause for sampling zooanthids. However, most likely not the case; hippo tangs (especial non-juveniles) are principally a zooplankton feeder, feeding on microalgae secondarily. I would suggest feeding more meaty foods like mysis and chopped seafood. My favorite fish, that is worth all one's effort!

http://[URL=http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/CHSUB/media/image_zps874d2cfb.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[snorvich]

The OP has a 55 gallon tank. All tangs are inefficient eaters which is why they need to eat constantly. If food is not constantly available, they will sample zooxanthellae.

 

[CHSUB]

The OP has a 55 gallon tank. All tangs are inefficient eaters which is why they need to eat constantly. If food is not constantly available, they will sample zooxanthellae.

55 gallon!.....yeh, too small for a 4" hippo.

 

[Greatwhitetang]

hoodie hooo.. But seriously.. Too small of tank.. And mysis are barely more nutritious than brine.. A whole 2% more protein.. Use food soaks on frozen food to make them more nutritious... And offer a variety.. But once they taste zoas.. Its game over ime either lose the zoas.. Or lose the fish (that would be better suited for a 125+ size tank)

 

[reeferfoust]

Thank you all for the responses, new to the entire forum and only about 6 months into the hobby. I will take everything under consideration and decide what's best for my tank!