Skittish Blue Tang

I have had a blue tank in my quarantine tank for 2 weeks now. Unfortunately he is always hiding behind my heater. Every once in a while when i carefully walk in the room ill see him swimming but as soon as he sees me he darts back to the heater. I dont really know what to do. He is eating pellets (Formula one and spectrum) very well. His color looks good although his belly is a little white. Is this normal? I have been treating him with copper for the past week as a precaution (blue tangs are notorious for ich). No itching, rubbing or anything. What do you guys think?
Thanks

 

It is normal they love to have areas to hide behind and it seems as though there is none in the QT. Belly color could be because of stress. As long as it is eating that is good. Put some nori in the tank tangs are herbivores first.

 

Blue Tangs are notorious for being crazy, playing dead, looking at you and shimmering. Just the nature of the beast.

 

Thanks guys!
And I do have pvc pieces to hide in/around but he prefers the heater...

 

Get some clay pots for you qt make sure there are no metals, and make sure there are no chemicals on it, get organic, and break em apart with holes big enough for him to swim in and out of without scratching himself and I noticed that takes down stress quite a bit.

 

Don't worry... how long have you had it? Mine is still shy and was hiding for over a week. So be patient and he will ok. Dunno about the white color on his belly but again maybe due to stress.
Best of luck to you and please post some pics

 

As you have been told – very normal activity for this guy. Unfortunately, he’s also an easily stressed fish as well – and extremely susceptible to stray voltage (is this tank grounded?)