Napoleon Complex in Yellow Tang

[AcroporAddict]

I have a 465 gallon SPS tank. I just bought and introduced a Gem Tang to the system. Prior to his introduction I pulled a 5" RS Sailfin Tang from the system and have him siting in fish jail right now, as IME he was the most likely tang to harass the Gem. So I introduced the Gem into the tank, and a smaller by an inch Yellow Tang immediately started the posturing with him and basically harassed him quite a bit. That night I pulled the Yellow with the "flashlight and net after lights out" routine, so the Gem is fine and getting along in the 465 with a Powder Blue, Kole, Naso and Unicorn Tang right now. Here's the dilemma:

Right now the Sailfin and the Yellow are in a bare bottom fish jail tank connected to the system. After a week or two can I reintroduce them to the 465 since their territory bonds with the 465 should be gone? I don't want them harassing the Gem, of course, r/t the cost of this fish.

Thanks for your help. I've always kept a light fish load, and I wanted have a decent population in this new 465 gallon reef.

 

[snorvich]

Do you really want to risk the gem tang?

 

[offshored]

Our Yellow Tang is the king of our tank... he even will dominate our 2' Skeletor Moray (introduced months before the Yellow) at night.

Saw the Yellow flashing back and forth in front of the eel late last night, making the eel go back in his cave a few times.

 

[EllieSuz]

Considering the value, monetary and otherwise, of the Gem, I would find a new home for the Yellow.

 

[DustyReefer]

Agreed on re-homing the yellow, just not worth the risk

 

[Ostara]

I agree with the above; in fact, I would rehome both the yellow and the sailfin. Wait a few months and if you really want one or both species again obtain new, smaller and younger specimens to quarantine and add. You may end up not missing them at all. I did this with my tangs (Achilles and powder blue) because I wasn't willing to risk a conflict between the two.

 

[AcroporAddict]

Do you really want to risk the gem tang?

That's why I posted this question. Never had a yellow tang before. Of course I don't want to risk the gem tang, but some tangs can be reintroduced after removal for a period of time. I didn't know about Yellows.

So from the comments so far, the yellow needs a rehome. I think I'll rehome the sailfin as well, as the sailfin is so much larger than everything else. I like sailfins, but they grow like weeds.

Thanks to everyone for their help.
Dave