Adding another tang

My sailfin has been in the tank for about 5 months now and she basically owns it. I was considering adding a yellow tang (smaller than the sailfin) and was curious as to whether or not the two tangs will get along.

I realize that at first the sailfin will show aggresive behavior but will this aggresivity go away in due time or will the two tangs constantly square-off?

 

IME tang that are the same shape i.e sailfin and yellow, will fight. There are always exception to the rule but... tangs are very protective of there environment. But you do have a big tank. Maybe someone else could jump in with some more info.

Marc.

 

Hi Marc.

My tank is 120 gallon.

 

I agree with what's been said here. I've kept several zebrasomas in my tanks and although they schooled at first, the did eventually start to battle it out. But, like m_lacom said, there's always an exception to the rule

 

I personally would add the new tang. Maybe change a few of the rocks around when adding him so that the new tang has more of a chance in establishing a territory when the territory is a little different. Something I have tried before is to put the new fish in a 10gal tank against the display tank. Some times they will square off through the glass for a few hours like this. Sure there will be stress, but it cuts down on the physical aggression and when you do finally add the fish it may have a better chance.

I'm a big fan of multiple tangs in the same tank.

 

As am I but I try to mix different body shapes.

 

I agree, Tangs with the same body shape is bound to be trouble!! I have an Achilles Tang and a Regal Tang and they have the occasional feud for dominance but so far I would say that the Achilles has the upper hand.

 

Achilles Tang and nasso tang will be my next purchase. Then I would say all my wishes will be met. Do you see many problems with a sailfin, hippo, nasso, and the achilles all in a 180 gal? I hear to get the achilles last and if possible larger than the rest. Or I can just add them all at the same time to this new tank.

 

The Naso Tang and the Achilles Tang are of the Same body shape:-/

 

Hey John. How is that Achilles doing for you? I've always wanted to keep one but heard so much about them being delicate and difficult. Any thoughts/observations you could share?