Kole Tang attacking Lawnmower Blenny

[Jay1982]

So I added my Kole Tang from my QT today, and after about half a day passes when I notice that the Kole is chasing the blenny all over the place and starts ramming his mouth onto the blenny's side, the blenny takes a few shots and then darts away. He is now being chased into hiding. I know some sparring happens when new tank mates are introduced. However these are supposed to be 2 docile fish. The only thing I can see that would cause them to fight would be that they eat the same type of food. I read in Pocketexpert Reef Aquarium Fishes guide that sometimes the Kole Tang will attack others when someone is going after his food source.

On the flip side of the token, my Coral Beauty and Kole Tang have already formed a bond it seems, since being introduced the Coral Beauty is always with the Kole Tang, even pecking at algae together. What gives?

I'm hoping the aggression will stop soon enough, any tips on lowering aggression? Its weird seeing as how its usually the new comer who gets harrased, but in this instance, its the guy who's been here the longest. My 90 Gallon is lightly stocked with:
1 Kole Tang
1 Coral Beauty
2 O. Clowns
1 Mandarin
1 Lawnmower Blenny
1 Bangaii Cardinal fish

 

[Jay1982]

YOu know what, scratch that. This is my bad, assuming I am reading right, this is infact a Ctenochaetus striatus (Striped Bristletooth tang) and NOT Kole Tang. God damn, I was told by someone that this "Kole Tang" would only get his yellow ringed eye as he matures. I was weary at first, but then decided to believe my friend because he had been spot on with almost everything else.

I found this out by trying to do some more research on Kole Tangs and their aggression level. Seeing as how I had previously read that they were passive. Well I came upon a picture (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/marinefish/striatedsurgeonfish.php) and this is exactly what my fish looks like. God, I am so upset.

I've tried to find a bit more information on this fish. Some websites say they can be slightly aggressive, while others (most) are saying passive. Does anyone have any first hand experience?

 

[crvz]

Not with that fish specifically, but all the Ctenochaetus tangs I've had experience with are rather peaceful. I'm surprised that it's being a grump.

 

[abulgin]

My Kole Tang chases my Brown Combtooth Blenny from time to time.

 

[kudora]

my yellow kole does the same thing, if the blenny is eating(algae) near the kole tang it makes him upset and will dart towards the algae blenny but thats it, my blenny is used to it(fattest fish in the tank) and just stays out of the tangs way.

 

[Jay1982]

Thanks guys. Hopefully it won't become too much of a hassle for my LB.

 

[Jay1982]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13025558#post13025558 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crvz
Not with that fish specifically, but all the Ctenochaetus tangs I've had experience with are rather peaceful. I'm surprised that it's being a grump.

Yeah, from what I see, he's peaceful with EVERYONE ELSE. I guess the LB rubs him the wrong way, lol. Its a shame, because my lawnmower was really starting to enjoy himself in the open, swiming out in the open, and occasionally forming a school with 2 clowns and the cardinal. They'd swim all over the place as a group. Now, lawnmower is kept inside his cave