Experiences with Achilles Tangs and other Acanthurus Tangs

nuxx

nuxx

.Registered Member
Hey everyone,

I introduced an Achilles Tang (2") to our display about two weeks ago.

He went in with a Gem Tang (4"), Yellow Tang (2") and Black Tang Hybrid (2"). Tank already had a Black Tang (6"), Yellow Tang (4") and Chevron Tang (4").

There was/is a little chase from time to time Black to Gem and Black Hybrid to everyone, but aggression is fairly low.

I also had an Achilles Tang Hybrid (2.5") in QT with the other tangs I introduced, but it developed a bacterial infection and had to wait two weeks more in QT.

I introduced the Achilles Tang Hybrid to the display two days ago and instantly the Achilles Tang turned white (pretty cool looking) and wouldn't leave the Achilles Tang Hybrid alone. Lots of tail whipping, etc...

The Achilles Tang will still rush the Achilles Tang Hybrid when it comes out of it's cave and tail whip it, but this aggression seems different to me.

After two days of the Achilles Tang "attacking" the Achilles Tang Hybrid, the Hybrid still looks in good shape. No real wounds, just a few scratches from the first day, and no damaged / nipped fins.

The Hybrid is eating, but mostly food that comes his way. Also picks at the rocks non-stop after lights out (or during the day, when he's in his cave).

Based on past tang aggression I've seen, this seems extremely mild, but it's persistent. For example, when I first introduced the Gem after QT and acclimation, the other Tangs gave it huge gashes and destroyed fins. It then went into a big acclimation box for 2 months until the new batch of tangs was ready.

I guess my question is:
- What is this aggression, does it sound like it'll die off?
- What's everyone else's experience with Achilles and other Acan. Tangs?

I'm also curious, because I should be getting a Zebra Tang (another Acan. Tang) soon, and it'll go into the tank after QT, but will live in the acclimation box for at least a month. Will be my last tang BTW.

Thanks :)
 
He might have a hard time getting acclimated with that Achilles being established. Once that Achilles Hybrid get establish you may have double the trouble on your hands. IME, Achilles, Sohals, and Powder Blues are the most aggressive Acanthurus out there, let alone among all Tangs. IME, within the Acanthurus species, the Mimics, Tennenti, and Lavender they are most peaceful out the bunch, but still can be a jerk. Also IME, I have notice that the aggression as they mature, not really in the juvenile, small sub adult stage.
 
Here is their behavior...

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190920334" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>


It's nothing like the aggression I've seen between other tangs. It's more like pacing, not even that much of a chase. When the Black chases the Gem, it's at light speed.

I know down the line I'll need to thin the herd a bit more than likely tang wise... but we'll see. I know Achilles and to more an extent PBT and Sohals can be dicks. Reason I got them small...

Hey they say Gems are the meanest Zebrasomas as well...

In all honesty the Black Hybrid, although small, is the most ballsy.
 
the reputation of zebra tangs is that they're not as aggressive as other acanthurus, but my personal experience is that my 2" zebra tang bullied and killed a 4.5" achilles hybrid that was introduced later than it (and was in a breeder box in the tank for a month before being released). It also killed a fat and feeding 5" regal angel.

I think it's always going to be a hit and miss with acanthurus tangs, and depends heavily on the temperament of the individual fish in question.

My tank currently has 3 4" zebra tangs that get along, but I introduced them at the same time. The shipment that my tangs came in had a total of 5, and I personally saw that one of them was badly beaten up with rip wounds all over - probably from the holding tank at the exporter's facility.
 
I haven't kept multiple achilles so take this as opinion only, but given your fish seem to be a similar size I think you are in for a harder time of it because of this. If there was a big difference then they could easily establish top dog, with the subordinate fish knowing it's place. As they are nearly the same size the top dog is likely to feel constantly threatened by its presence and the fisticuffs may go on and on.
 
Thanks guys :)

I have a mirror on the tank right now, I think they all know what it is by now lol

Worked like a charm the first few times, not effective now.

Didn't use an acclimation box, since I just introduced 4 other tangs about 2 weeks ago and they're all still trying to establish a hierarchy.

The Achilles is backing off the Hybrid a bit, but I did notice the Achilles had a little gash on him. Guessing the Hybrid is holding his own a bit now.

I've also been turning the lights off about 3.5 hours early each night, which chills everyone out.

Thanks I haven't heard much about the aggression of the Zebras thanks!

What size Zebra would you suggest I get?
 
Went downstairs and now they're BFFs swimming around together picking at rocks and stuff...

Go figure...

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/191064780" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
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