Sailfin Aggression

[71Percent]

I have a Sailfin that is about two years old and has never been a problem up until now. I added a small yellow tang a few days back, thinking the striking color difference would keep them peaceful. Seems the Sailfin must have issues with the Yellow Tang's general shape and has been chasing him around periodically. Will the Sailfin eventually make peace, or should I expect a never-ending turf war? I'm increasing algae as I read that helps, but would love advice on this one.


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[Watchm@n]

I have a Sailfin that is about two years old and has never been a problem up until now. I added a small yellow tang a few days back, thinking the striking color difference would keep them peaceful. Seems the Sailfin must have issues with the Yellow Tang's general shape and has been chasing him around periodically. Will the Sailfin eventually make peace, or should I expect a never-ending turf war? I'm increasing algae as I read that helps, but would love advice on this one.


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Hello mate

How big is your tank?
It's my understanding that tangs should be added together to avoid this type of situation...

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[71Percent]

100 gallon cylinder. I know the Sailfin will need to be moved eventually, but for now he seems well fitted and the cylinder allows him to swim around a lot. If I needed to remove one, I would try to remove him though.


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[Watchm@n]

Tang police about to get on your case

May not be enough room for the both of them. Could end in tears for your yellow as the sailfin already has dibs on territory... that being said, all fish are different and he may eventually come around ro sharing.

In the mean time, do u have an acclamation box u could put the newbie in?

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[71Percent]

Yes, I'm watching. Low Aggression at this point. Yellow looks oblivious to it. Original plan was to move Sailfin soon before the tang police arrive. This may hasten it. Will most likely give it to a friend or LFS.


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[nereefpat]

"Tang police" comments are of no use to anyone, and can dissuade helpful folks from giving you advise. Keep that in mind in the future.

The acclimation box is a good idea and may be worth trying. The two tangs are probably too similar to get along together in that size of tank. Both the sailfins get really big anyway, as you said. Good luck.

 

[coralmoral]

I agree with nereefpat, an acclimation box could definitely work to resolve the problem.

 

[71Percent]

Thanks - will try that to see how it works. Appreciate the advice.


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[ca1ore]

My fish have wised to the acclimation box. They are all sweet and nice when newcomer in box; nasty and mean when newcomer released.

 

[scooter31707]

Of course it's not working because they are from the same species. The Sailfin sees the yellow as a threat. I think you will have to remove one or the other. Plus, IMO, the Sailfin is in the top 5 aggressive tangs.

 

[nereefpat]

Of course it's not working because they are from the same species.

To clarify, not the same species. Same genus though, Zebrasoma. We can all agree on your point though

 

[ca1ore]

There are a lot of factors at play. Tank size is not helping. I keep three zebrasomas relatively peacefully in a 265; introduced at different times. Wouldn't attempt it in a 100. I don't find the Sailfin to be particularly aggressive until it's cramped or underfed. One of the under appreciated causes of tang aggression is food shortage. Feed more and much of it goes away.

 

[71Percent]

Good points - thanks. I purchased a fish trap and will go fishing soon. Found a nice 400g for him to spend the rest of his days.


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[scooter31707]

To clarify, not the same species. Same genus though, Zebrasoma. We can all agree on your point though

Thanks for the catch, my blood pressure was up. LOL

 

[71Percent]

Just to clarify, I knew they were from the same genus, I just read (and have personally witnessed with other types) that people have been successful in mixing when the look is very different from one to the next. Now that I look at it, the fin profile is very similar which is what is probably setting him off. As far as tank size, I believe the tank is too small for the sailfin, but I think tank shape is often underlooked, in that my cylinder design allows for better swimming conditions than other tank designs. For example, the new yellow loves to swim in one direction around and around and doesn't need to turn around unless it wants to - that is one of the reasons I chose that shape.


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