Hello, I have just introduced a Regal Tang to my 90 Gallon reef tank and this morning I have noticed him rubbing his side against some rocks, like he has some irritation he is trying to scratch. I also have noticed him approaching my cleaner shrimp for service, however the cleaner shrimp dosent seem very interested in doing his job. There is no signs of ick and his colors, eyes and other physical characteristics look normal. I did a 10% water change right after introducing him to the tank, the temperature of the tank is 78 degrees, pH is 8.2 and salinity is 34 and SG is 1.026.
Regal Tang (rock rubbing)
- Thread starter DrBones
- Start date
Rondelet
New member
How frequently does he scratch? Regal Tangs are noted for this behaviour. Could just be getting used to his new environment. I would keep an eye on it and not do anything drastic at the moment. Make sure you test your water parameters and that everything is in order. Make sure he gets good quality food in his diet, with some green stuff (eg. ON Formula 2, etc - I prefer the frozen). Also, cleaner shrimp can be hit or miss and the relationship depends on many things, including the size differences. How big is your Regal? When I first got my Regal Tang he was very small and shy, and stayed away from my shrimp. Now that he's a little bigger he visits it from time to time, but is still a little on the shy side.
janakaybravo
New member
I thought scratching always meant ich. This is news to me. Did you quarantine him before adding him to your display? If so, and have not introduced other fish since, he shouldn't have ich (or so they say).
Good luck.
Good luck.
Regal tang
Regal tang
Hello and thanks for responding to my post. In reply to your first question, the scratching is not persistant and he seems healthy in all respects save the occasional scratching. He is approximately 3.5 4 inches long and he is eating pretty well. I will get the food you mentioned and continue monitoring. Thank you again. All the water parameters are good.
Regal tang
Hello and thanks for responding to my post. In reply to your first question, the scratching is not persistant and he seems healthy in all respects save the occasional scratching. He is approximately 3.5 4 inches long and he is eating pretty well. I will get the food you mentioned and continue monitoring. Thank you again. All the water parameters are good.
BTTRFLYGRL
New member
Yes Tangs tend to scratch more than other fish. An occasional scratch is nothing to worry about
Did you quarantine this fish for 4 weeks? Tangs are 'ich magnets' and the Regal is probably the most susceptible. I have 2 in qt right now going through Hypo. Do keep an eye on him..watch for the white spots and be prepared to take action
Did you quarantine this fish for 4 weeks? Tangs are 'ich magnets' and the Regal is probably the most susceptible. I have 2 in qt right now going through Hypo. Do keep an eye on him..watch for the white spots and be prepared to take action
BTTRFLYGRL
New member
My Tangs had no viable signs of ich until the second week of qt. Up until then they were scratching and twitching.
What is happening [if your fish does have ich] is it is feeding on the Tang. Soon it will fall off to the substrate, reproduce and then emerge to find another host..that is when your other fish may become affected. Some fish are more resistant than others so the Tang could be infested, covered in spots, and a Wrasse not have any signs at all. Unfortunately if you are dealing with ich, all fish need to be removed to a qt for treatment and your main tank must remain fallow for at least 4 weeks. Hyposalinity is the best method to treat ich. This is a hassle, but it is the only way you will ever rid your system of this pest
janakaybravo
New member
Also feed him food soaked in garlic until you get your qt tank ready.
