Tang aggression

[JosefDevaty]

I have a tomini tang that is about 2 1/4 inches. He seems to be acting aggressively toward my sandsifter goby (orange spots, white body). They arent biting eachother or fighting per se. They will swim around eachother and the sandsifter will arch its back and open its mouth. The tomini will change colors (lighter) and charge a bit at the goby. From what I know about animals these are aggressive signs. Eventually one will back down (usually the goby) and swim off. It just seems like weird behavior between these two. Any ideas or similair experiences?

 

[euod]

Did you add anything new to the tank?

 

[JosefDevaty]

Nope.

 

[kirkaz]

I wouldn't worry too much, the Tang is just establishing that he is the boss. Keep in mind the smaller the tank the more aggressive the Tang will be. Every new addition from now on he is likely to bully for a bit.

 

[JosefDevaty]

Thanks for the info. It didnt seem too violent just like you said some bullying. He gets along great with my 6line wrasse, clowns, and chalk basslet. I guess the goby is just the odd man out.

 

[mike89t]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12810629#post12810629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kirkaz
I wouldn't worry too much, the Tang is just establishing that he is the boss. Keep in mind the smaller the tank the more aggressive the Tang will be. Every new addition from now on he is likely to bully for a bit.

Yep, I have 4 tangs (Naso, Hippo, Convict, and Cheveron). My Cheveron is the most aggressive. He beats up on any new fish I add. It only lasts for about 3-5 days. He is definitely the boss.

 

[nnn614]

Was the tang added before the goby? My Tomini never acted aggressively towards the fish already in the tank but it didn't like the Potter's Angel I added for a week or so and then it calmed down.

 

[JosefDevaty]

The tang was the last fish added.