Scopas Tang... Terrorizing the newest addition

FishBiscuit

New member
First things first... I'm a total noob. To both the hobby and posting to the forums.

Since I'm new to the hobby, I to research before buying new fish or corals and adding them to my tank. It also helps that I have a few knowledgeable folks locally that give me honest feedback before my purchase.

I have a 130 gallon long tank. Current residents includes a fox face, 7 varied color chromis, six line wrasse, cardinal, and a pistol shrimp with his seeing eye watchman goby.

We added a scopas tang about a month ago. It took him about two days before he was comfortably swimming all,around the tank and not hiding in the rocks. He's been great ever since. Eats pellets, shrimp, seaweed... No problems.

Last night we added a bi-color angel and two ocellaris clowns. As soon as the angel touched the water, the scopas began his reign of terror. Hunting the angel down with relentless determination. Backing the angel into every nook and cranny of the rock and just going at him with his tail spikes. Nothing will deter the scopas' efforts to attack the angel.

Is this common? Will it go on continuously? Should I remove one of them for a period of time (which we tried to catch scopas without success last night)?

We have been so lucky with this tank so far, and I don't like seeing the terrorizing behavior that's currently going on. I'd love any advice or insight you could share.
 
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There are ways to introduce new fish in with rowdier tank mates. Unless they work things out soon you will have to intervene. You have an interesting mix of fish with peaceful and rowdy members, and some that will simply pick each other apart over time.
 
You may be able to solve this by putting the tang in your QT for a couple of weeks and re-introducing him. This tang has claimed his territory and all newcomers will be treated this way. Do the same with any other new fish.
 
A friend taught me a cool trick for catching fish. Find out where the fish likes to sleep/hang out. In the early morning, without turning on any other lights, get ready. Turn on "day" lights and net him. The fish will be somewhat blinded for a couple of minutes.
 
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