Powder Blue Being a JERK!!!

[lordofthereef]

I have a juvi (a little under 3") Powder Blue tang. He has been in this particular tank for a little over a month. I didn't think he was old enough to be evil, but he most certainly is. I introduced a yellow tang (about the same size) during lights out last night and the powder blue immediately started pummeling the poor guy. Interestingly the yellow tang just keeps going for the nori, nibbles a bit, and then darts away when the powder blue comes at him. It is sort of entertaining to watch, but then I realize this could result in death or injury. Any tips?

For starters, I am going to introduce another algae clip, although I don't think the algae clip was the sole issue. the PB seemed to come dashing almost immediately after introduction.

 

[Fishamatank]

A powder blue in a 150 is likely going to harass / kill any other tang that's in there with it.

 

[lordofthereef]

Interesting. I didn't think it would be a problem with them being so small. I also thought they went by "body shape" (which clearly isn't the case since this guy isn;t picky). I guess I find it strange that it isn't bothered at all by the other fish.

So there is no chance of this working then? Some chance? It's going to be hell getting either one of them out!

 

[TripleT]

How long have they been in the same tank? If they are not looking worse for the wear, I would give it a few days to see if they settle down.

Do you have enough rock to create separate areas in the tank? If they can avoid each other at times it may reduce aggression.

What kind of flow do you have in the tank? Good flow can help with stress in species built for speed.

Do you have another tank ready in case one of them starts getting beat up, or showing signs of excessive stress? If nothing else, you should have a QT that you can use for this purpose.

Also make sure to control the things that you can. Such as water quality and nutrition.

As far as providing more than one feeding location, you can use a rubber band to attach nori to a rock, or use a magnet algae scraper to trap a piece of nori against the side of the tank.

 

[cakemanPA]

A powder blue in a 150 is likely going to harass / kill any other tang that's in there with it.

I would say that this is a bit of an over generalization. Keep an eye out and give it some time.

 

[lordofthereef]

Well the YT has been in the tank about 18 hours now, so he is very new. I have had tangs together before, albeit never a PBT, but have never noticed this behavior at all. That is what had me startled. The do seem to have calmed down... some.