Bullied Sailfin Tang

Hello,

I'm a new member to the group, but have often used this site (thru Google search), and found it helpful. I finally decided to join. Thanks to those who offered info. about raising ph w/baking soda!

Anyway...I recently (two days ago) purchased a beautiful, small Sailfin Tang. According to the compatibility chart at liveaquaria.com, I should not have problems introducing this fish into my tank. However, a Domino Damsel that's about the same size as the tang, has bullied it into a corner - sandwiched between live rock and the glass. The poor guy stays there all day, and doesn't emerge until the lights go out. What a miserable existance! I expect that if he stays stressed like this for much longer that he'll die.

Does anyone know if this shy behavior is common with this fish?

Thanks in advance.

 

To 3Reef!!!​

Glad to see you aboard!

All fish have different personalties. Hard to tell compatibility until tank introduction. Almost always a crap shoot on how established members will treat the newbie.

Unless the damsel tires of bullying game shortly, the tang has not got much of a chance of surviving...

Keep the tang & get rid of damsel.

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00




​

 

I have tried to net the Domino and put him in the refugium...but there's so much live rock, etc., in the tank, that it makes nabbing him an almost impossible task! I'll keep trying. Thanks!

 

Try what I did...

Get some eggcrate and start to box him in between glass and eggcrate. Reduce his swimming and hiding place by using the eggcrate as a divider.

It may take a little while but it works. At least it did for me. That's how I netted my cinnamon clown who was terrorizing the others.

Good luck!

Welcome to 3reef by the way

 

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think what I'll try next is to wait until the next feeding time which'll be tonight. The Domino is usually the boldest one in regards to getting first dibbs on the food...so maybe then. If not, hopefully the Tang will emerge due to hunger and eventually work his way into the group. Fingers crossed.

The funny thing is that I had to isolate this guy once before, but that was before I combined two tanks, and he didn't have as much rock for hiding. Actually, the Domino has become a beautiful fish, and it's pretty cool watching him at night under the moon lights. His white dots look like eyes peering from the depths.

Anyway...thanks!

ddv

 

There are also traps you can buy to catch fish. I've used them very successfully. You can also cut a 2L pop bottle to make a trap. Only feed into the trap over the course of a few days. All your fish will swim in to feed once they are comfortable. When the damsel swims in pull the trap out of the water and you got him.
I also have a friend who got a small barbless hook and fished a damsel out. The damsel is still 100% ok in another tank

J

 

See DIY Fishtrap

 

the pop bottle sounds like an awesome idea...and easy. it could also be used in the future when introducing new fish! that'll be my next move. if that doesn't work, guess i'll get the tackle out.

thanks, everyone, for the creative suggestons.