Tang-mates for lions

[reeflikejehu]

I've got a few months before I can set the tank back up again, so I've got some planning time. Any suggestions for Tangs with mid-sized lionfish (P. radiata) in a 180?

 

[reefer334]

Tangs should be fine maybe a Purple Tang.

Stay away from triggers as the will nip the lions fins.

groupers would work to.

HTH

Chris

 

[reefer334]

Oh and Welcome to Reefcentral!!!!!!!!




Chris

 

[Grouperhead]

I agree with a purple - very hardy tang that can handle it's own. I've also seen sailfins and nasos kept with lions. I think most any hardy tang would do well being its too big to be consumed.

HTH

 

[reeflikejehu]

Thanks for the input and the welcome. I actually kept a Purple Tang with four radiatas for a couple years until the Tang started bullying the lions and nipping their fins. Any other suggestions?

 

[Grouperhead]

Try a naso or sailfin. Both are a bit more chill than purples (but larger.) A big yellow would be nice too, but could get aggressive. I'm also a big fan of convict tangs - they and scopas have a nice, subtle beauty.

 

[reefer334]

Try a Tomini Tang,Chevron Tang.Kole Tang


All are very mellow.


Chris

 

[bluedevils32701]

my personal favorite is a naso vlamingi

 

[LisaD]

Unfortunately, I think the Naso and N. vlamingi will quickly outgrow a 180. My favorite tang, and one that stays very reasonable sized, is the chocolate or mimic tang, Acanthurus pyroferus. I'm thinking of the lemonpeel angel mimic. It starts out yellow, but the adult coloration, while subtle, can be really spectacular. The finnage is the prettiest I've seen on any tang. This species tends to be a good community tank fish, not too aggressive, but assertive enough to take care of itself with aggressive tankmates. I had one for three years with an emperor angelfish, a harlequin tuskfish and a zebra moray (as well as some smaller fish). Never a problem...

 

[bluedevils32701]

ya unless you get a 4" vlamingi it will quickly outgrow its aquarium. i have a 14" male currently. it however has not grown too fast over the years.

 

[badbrady06]

how bout a powder brown or an orange shoulder

 

[reeflikejehu]

WOW!Thanks for all the suggestions! I especially like the idea of the A. pyroferus. Any idea how good of algae eaters they are in comparison to Zebrasomas? I love Powder Browns, and so does my daughter, but we already killed one (tang Robo-Ich) and we'll probably stay away from them in the future.

 

[sacremon]

Have you considered any of the rabbitfish? Tremendous algae eaters.

 

[Grouperhead]

Yeah, foxface will destroy some algae for sure.

 

[StripestheEel]

Go a nice big Blonde Naso. Beautiful!