Scopes and Yellow tang

[MDP]

I know that one should never keep similar
colored tangs together, but would it be possible to keep a yellow tang and scopas tang together? Or does the similar body shape prevent this?

 

[TampaReefer79]

I know that one should never keep similar
colored tangs together, but would it be possible to keep a yellow tang and scopas tang together? Or does the similar body shape prevent this?

Depends on the tank footprint.

 

[psusocr]

my three yellows and scopas dont bother each other at all but they are also in a 300 gal.

 

[MDP]

Tank is 4 foot long, 18 inches wide and 18 inches high.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Tank is 4 foot long, 18 inches wide and 18 inches high.

The 2, IMO, would not work out -- heck any 2 tangs in that sized tank wouldn't work out.

 

[MDP]

I'd disagree with that generalization but my question relates to just compatabilty of the scopas and yellow.

 

[Toddrtrex]

And I answered that with the first part of my post. "The 2, IMO, would not work out "

 

[MDP]

I'd disagree with that generalization but my question relates to just compatabilty of the scopas and yellow so thank you for your feedback

 

[MDP]

You are quicker at typing than I am at editing!

 

[MrTuskfish]

Tangs of the same genus seldom work in a tank that isn't (IMO) big enough for either of them. Cramped conditions=stress=aggression.

 

[MrTuskfish]

my three yellows and scopas dont bother each other at all but they are also in a 300 gal.

Strange thing about tangs in this genus: a pair will usually be at war, but 3+ often do well. if they have enough room I've had 3 purples together for about 5 years now. A lot of LFS will have 3+ YTs in the same tank, but never just two.

 

[TampaReefer79]

I'd disagree with that generalization but my question relates to just compatabilty of the scopas and yellow.

That 'generalization' is directly related to your question about compatibility. If 2 tangs won't cohabitate peacefully in a 4'x18" tank, then no, a yellow tang and scopas tang won't get along in your tank.

I also echo Todd's sentiment that no 2 tangs in that tank would work out. Me personally, I wouldn't even have one. And that's not to say that I never have done that, I have...and learned the hard way that it doesn't work out and is a waste of money, but more importantly is a waste of life.

 

[MDP]

Thanks for the comments. I have kept tangs long-term in tanks this size without incident. Many people in Japan and the UK do so regularly. Clearly if you don't know what you are doing it isn't going to work. I have kept 4 tangs over the last 28 years and not lost one to disease or aggression. I have Kept them for 4 years plus each time (the nature of my work means I move country every 4-5years) so they have been passed to friends when I move.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Thanks for the comments. I have kept tangs long-term in tanks this size without incident. Many people in Japan and the UK do so regularly. Clearly if you don't know what you are doing it isn't going to work. I have kept 4 tangs over the last 28 years and not lost one to disease or aggression. I have Kept them for 4 years plus each time (the nature of my work means I move country every 4-5years) so they have been passed to friends when I move.

I know this is often done. But, IMO, a tank in a 4' tank just doesn't look like the same fish when a 6 or (preferably) 8' tank. Tangs in bigger tanks look healthier, are more active and look more like tangs on the reef. There are so many great fish available to us, it just seems to me that better choices can be made with a 4' tank. Tangs are generally hardy but (again IMO); they just don't look right in smaller tanks. One flip of a fin and they have to turn around.

 

[Orcrone]

+1 for Mr. Tuskfish. Since they're the same family (Zebrasoma) there's more likelihood of fighting. I have a sailfin and a blue hippo tang, but have held off on purchasing a yellow because of the sailfin.