small tang suggestions

[mc-cro]

I am looking for some suggestions for a small tang, mainly for grazing on the rocks, but also for some color and variety.

Here are some requirements that I need to keep in mind..

I do not want a fish that can grow to be 9-12" long. I only have a 5ft, 160g tank, and I would like to keep fish on the smaller size. This eliminates all of the fox face rabbits ( I know, not really a tang) that I really like.

I have clams... I do not want to wreck my tank to chase down clam nippers. Years ago I had a Hippo tang, and he was fine for several years, then one day he developed a taste for clam mantle. I realize any fish is a risk, but I would like to steer clear of known offenders. I also understand, If I dont feed them adequately, they may eat anything.

My tank is SPS dominate, with a few LPS. so I think most small angel fish and most mimic fish are out because they are polyp nippers?

I only want 1, so I am not worried about them interacting with other tangs.

Yellow tangs are everyones fist recommendation, but they are a little too common for me. plus, I think they can get bigger as well.

what about a Mimic Lemon peel tang or a Kole Yellow Eye tang?

Or any of the other bristletooth tangs?

 

[SDguy]

I really like the idea of the mimic tang.

 

[downbeach]

This might work:

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/IndianGoldRingBristletooth.php

Edit:

Just noticed one here:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+43+2994&pcatid=2994

 

[mc-cro]

nice suggestions, keep them coming.


live aquaria also lists a white tail bristletooth

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+43+3130&pcatid=3130

Thanks for the link on the indian gold ring bristletooth. based on the information contained on that page, a bristletooth would be perfect for my tank.

 

[Guygettnby]

^^^ plus yellow tang or convict tang are among the smaller tangs.

 

[mc-cro]

thanks. the only downside to a yellow tang, is that I am looking for something a little more unique. I think I have read that convict tangs tend to have a low long term survival rate? is that not accurate?

 

[reeferstace]

I like the tomini.

 

[Gogandantess]

Get a nice Lavendar tang.

 

[SUP]

Mimic Tangs are very nice and have a nice shape.

 

[snorvich]

I am partial to Chevron tangs; worth considering.

 

[mc-cro]

Chevrons are cool, they were on my wish list several years ago, but when did they jump up to $250!?

purple tangs are nice too, but again, a little pricey for me, and they can get up to 10".


Lemon peel mimic is for sure on the list, as are the tomoni and some other bristletooth

Is there another colorful mimic tang?

 

[geaux xman]

You wont see a purple tang getting to 10" in the home aquarium.

About 6.5" MAX. It'll probably sit at 5-6" for a very long time.
Shop around at the LFS and you might be able to find one for 130-150.

My vote is for a purple or powder blue.

 

[michael_cb_125]

I agree with a Chevron. Get a very small juvenile and you should have a fish that will happily live out its life in a 160 gallon. I even love the adults unique color patteren, a very under rated fish.


~Michael

 

[MrTuskfish]

You wont see a purple tang getting to 10" in the home aquarium.

About 6.5" MAX. It'll probably sit at 5-6" for a very long time.
Shop around at the LFS and you might be able to find one for 130-150.

My vote is for a purple or powder blue.

+1 I've had 3 purple tangs for 5+ years and they seem to be on hold at about 6". Same for the trio i had before moving.

Like geaux xman I love Purples & powder blues. Among the prettiest fish in the hobby, IMO. Very hardy, like most tangs. Shouldn't be with wussy tankmates.