Tang Psychology

Having never own a tang before and having my first ever now, and seing how it behave i'm not sure i made the right choice for my tank. Whats the normal behavior of tangs, are they generaly calm swimmers , inquisitive, shy, moronic, savy, brutal, lethargic, what would mostly define their behaviors.

 

ive got a purple tang. when introduced to his tank mates , it was like he had a quiet dominance that the others knew. there was no viscious outword aggression , but in a way he showed his dominance. if that makes any sense. now after 6 months , all is peaceful and the tang and one-spot are like buddies. that my experience with it so far. great fish imo.

 

I think that, just like any other creature, it all depends on the fish.
My LFS has a sweet Vlamingi Tang that will splish-splash around and it just begs for attention. It loves getting pet and makes quite a show for the customers. There is another of the same species that is just a grump-a-lump tho. He doesn't like any one.

 

My Whitecheek is somewhat bossy to the others but very social when I am around the tank where my Blue Hippo is shy and passive but as he grows larger he is being more bold. I think you made the perfect choice with a Tang they are my favorite marine fish!

 

I forgot to say its a Kole yellow eye tang. He's beatifull and full of life thats for sure. Him and the Bullet goby seem to have this weird swimming routine, like i chase you; you chase me and then they rest side by side, so i see no agression i hope??? Thats my concern, by the way. My tank is 65 G, i was told its was ok for that tang. The tank id great for him since i got lost of macro algae that he can graze on.

 

a 3' tank is a bit small for any Tang. You can probably get away with a Kole, but they are better put in 4' or larger. They like to swim and will pick at the algae on rocks. You should see them moving about the LR all day.

 

My Kole was pretty mellow for a tang - the old yellow was a brute.

Old post, but may be helpful:

http://www.3reef.com/forums/tropical-fish/what-about-tangs-29728.html

 

Ok thanks, thats pretty much what he's doing munching on the rocks and macro i've got, i also have nori for him and another thing, my buddy gave me.