Ranking Tangs by Aggression

[skh]

I tend to agree. What works in a 1000 gallon tank will not necessarily work in a 100 gallon tank (or worse in a 40 gallon tank) Still, a Acanthurus lineatus is simply awfully aggressive in any tank.

A fair point, although clearly this isn't a "can I have a purple tang in an X gallon" thread. But what you say is true.

 

[klepto]

I tend to agree. What works in a 1000 gallon tank will not necessarily work in a 100 gallon tank (or worse in a 40 gallon tank) Still, a Acanthurus lineatus is simply awfully aggressive in any tank.

Come on now. Lets not go labeling the thread pointless just because it isn't perfect. I think you have a valid point, but I also think that this thread can offer some helpful information.

 

[bronkanus]

I think skh said it perfectly that this is a starting point for those with question. No matter what all of our expieriences will be different due to individual fish, tank size , cohabitants, feeding regimen, etc.... But threads like this wether helpful to those of us that have these fish already, may help those looking to get some of the tangs.

 

[snorvich]

Come on now. Lets not go labeling the thread pointless just because it isn't perfect. I think you have a valid point, but I also think that this thread can offer some helpful information.

Actually, I was not the one that did.

 

[xxtriggermanxx]

Actually, I was not the one that did.

That would be me. And I would love it if this could work, But and a very large but. no one has given anything but opinions from all the posts I've read. Is this good useful information for the new reefkeeper ? I'm sorry but unless you give every bit of information about your tank (not just size) it's all just a shot in the dark. the idea of a list is nice , I just see way to many issues with it. Of course this is my opinion, and most of you think I'm wrong...

 

[klepto]

Actually, I was not the one that did.

I hear you. :spin2: Still, you seconded the notion. As an experienced reefkeeper and a mod, people will tend to side with you.

I think that this topic has a lot of potential. Just like the fish primer series, it can help steer novice reefers (such as myself) away from certain species. The more information that we can share about reef fishes, the better. Rather than one person's opinion, this could be more of a collaborative.

Sure, there are plenty of variables and people will likely have experiences that vary from the aggression ratings that others describe. Everything that one reads or hears in this hobby has to be taken objectively.

 

[klepto]

That would be me. And I would love it if this could work, But and a very large but. no one has given anything but opinions from all the posts I've read. Is this good useful information for the new reefkeeper ? I'm sorry but unless you give every bit of information about your tank (not just size) it's all just a shot in the dark. the idea of a list is nice , I just see way to many issues with it. Of course this is my opinion, and most of you think I'm wrong...

Good point. I agree that people should be including as much information about their tank/husbandry as possible. Otherwise there isn't much value in the post. Yes I think that this information is helpful to the newbie that goes on RC before they go to the LFS and get tempted to pick up a Clown tang or some other aggressive tang for their 75 gallon tank.

 

[aleonn]

I know there are variables, but still informative and has good general tips for me. I'll be adding livestock in about 6 weeks, so order of introducing tangs will be important. Thanks for your efforts, OP!

 

[Gill_bucket]

How many of these fish have YOU kept? It seems to me you have NO idea what you are talking about!!! I guess some of it is true but it seems this listing is 75% WRONG!!!

 

[Gill_bucket]

I would still like to know whether a Mimic Half Black Tang is aggressive. TIA

you are asking the WRONG person

 

[Amoore311]

Way too many variables to list.

That being said, as others have mentioned, the original list is WAY off for the most part.

 

[Matt_Wandell]

I would also add that some of the larger Acanthurus spp. are downright peaceful once they get big, pretty much on par with Naso spp.

I don't have a good all inclusive list of what constitutes "larger", but among them are A. blochii, A. dussumieri, A. mata...these guys are pussywillows compared to their smaller cousins.

 

[prickles]

If the sample size of experiences listed became large enough, this would be quite useful. If you think the list is way off, post your rankings so people can comment.

 

[pinnatus]

Ok, well in my experience, (36 years keeping fish) tangs are all easy to get along with once they are used to the other inhabitants. The only time I ever have had any trouble with a tang is when a new fish is put into the tank. And that not only applies to a new tang, but to any other new fish added. However, I do not overstock my tanks, and give many nooks, crannies, and holes for fish to hide in.

I have had Nasos, Hippos, Achilles, Powder Blues, Yellows, Purples, Chocolates, and Clowns. Each one, once adjusted to the tank mates, has been no problem, except one Powder Blue that I had that took a liking to eating my soft corals.

I will say that from the above list, Achilles and Powder Blues are much more active swimmers than the rest and a little more high strung. And Nasos seem to be the most mellow by far. My clown tang never even so much as looked at another fish let alone show aggression in any way. My Purple is extremely laid back.

So, I am not sure how good this ranking system really is... It may depend more on the individual fish, or the environment that they are kept in. But I have never had any tangs that are just plain terrors.

 

[Daniel Reef]

you are asking the WRONG person

I am open to anyone's answer to my question. TIA

 

[klepto]

So, I am not sure how good this ranking system really is... It may depend more on the individual fish, or the environment that they are kept in. But I have never had any tangs that are just plain terrors.

I think providing the right environment is essential to keeping surgeonfish. Perhaps, in a large enough tank, with the proper habitat and water quality, even the most aggressive tang can make a perfectly suitable tank inhabitant. Often times I think people fail to provide the needed environment and certain species respond more rapidly than others to this inadequacy. This is where I see the potential for a collection of experiences.

Instead of solely ranking on aggression, why not incorporate other factors like tank volume requirements/other environmental factors? This could show which species are more "difficult" and should be avoided unless the proper research and habitat are established.

 

[lowman31]

I am new to this thread and I think it has a chance to be a good one. It is true that these are all just opinions and we need more info with everyone's opinion. We need info like has your Z. flavescens always been agressive, did it become agressive after being in the tank awhile, does it calm down at times, does it pick a certain tankmate to bother...ect. Of course tank size, tank buddies, and some water measurements like nitrates, salinity, and others would also be helpfull. I think it is safe to say that behavior in our tanks is not always going to mirror behavior in the ocean. We might be able to find what makes our fish happy in one tank and mad at the world in another. Just my two cents.

Now here's my opinion on my two tangs. I have a 270 Gal 72x36x24 with a Z flavescens (yellow tang) and a Naso elegans (Blonde Naso). My naso is very passive and has been since I put him in the tank. My yellow was in there first and was a bully to the naso who was about 3" bigger. The yellow calmed down after about a week and there have been no more problems. Teh yellow hates its own reflection but is otherwise calm. I would definately say that the yellow would be more agressive towards other tangs then the naso.