Calappidae
Harlequin Shrimp
Could a sailfin tang and a yellow get along in the same tank or no? I keep getting mixed answers on this but I see tanks with the two in them all the time.
Sailfin and yellow tangs, can they mix?
- Thread starter Calappidae
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Tinkanator2000
New member
I've done it, and after an initial spat to determine pecking order (yellow won) all was well.
Calappidae
Harlequin Shrimp
Any tank size specfically?
degibson84
New member
Yes they will coexist just fine. there may be an initial dislike until territory is determined but every one locally has them mixed together. My father in law had 2 large sailfins with 3 medium yellows. my brother had 2 yellows and a sialfin
Tinkanator2000
New member
Started in a 75, and moved to a 180.
Calappidae
Harlequin Shrimp
I'm looking at mixing the two in a 125 long term. Both are still babies, one is in a 30 and the other is in a 10 gallon. I have a 125 I'm working on meanwhile.
DopeCantWin
Active member
The minimum for a Sailfin long term is either 180 or 240.
Calappidae
Harlequin Shrimp
Both 180 and 125 are 6 foot tanks tho?
DopeCantWin
Active member
A 125 gallon is 18" wide, the max size of a Sailfin is 16". The Tang Sticky on this forum gives the minimum as 240, 8' long.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1946079
I probably shouldn't talk too much though, mine is in a 210.
Calappidae
Harlequin Shrimp
I usually don't go by that list, For example, Yellow tang requirs a 100 according to it.. I've never seen a 75 gallon without them. Blue hippo needs a 240.. I've never seen a 125 without them... That list goes with the very biggest tanks for the smallest tang (which is excellent btw) but IMO is a little too hardcore..
DopeCantWin
Active member
If everyone jumped off the bridge would you jump too?
"These recommendations are based on the experiences of a myriad of aquarists, both real-life experiences and through observation in the ocean. They are based on the goal of providing an environment that matches the active nature, feeding regimens and growth rates of the tang. If this goal is met, the reward to the aquarist (and more importantly the fish) is long-term health and beauty in the tank."
from my understanding, that list is compiled by the best experts here. Their answer to the minimum for a Sailfin's long-term health was 240. We've all seen Blue Tangs in a 30 gallon, doesn't make it any more right. You're asking the opinion from experts here, well that's their opinion. You're always still free to do whatever you want.
Calappidae
Harlequin Shrimp
I might end up having to get rid of the sailfin then. Last thing I want is my fish getting sick.
DopeCantWin
Active member
Excellent response. Maybe you can keep him for a while while looking for a great home for him. I'm hoping to donate mine to a public aquarium when he outgrows my 210, so I understand.
Sailfin and a Yellow certainly can co-exist. Add them both at the same time, or the Sailfin second. Sailfins DO get very large so perhaps not the best choice for anything but a huge tank. They grow quickly and may end up only 'fitting' for a short while. Frankly, I'd look elsewhere.
joshua.jebe
New member
i have seen several tanks first hand in our local club that has both in them and size didnt make a huge diffrence. who ever was larger was in charge.
