Doctorfish tang?

littlefoxx · Jul 30, 2023

Hey all looking around for fish to rescue since my tank crashed. (Do not worry, I AM NOT PUTTING ANY FISH INTO THE TANK UNTIL MY ELECTRICAL ISSUE IN THE HOUSE IS FIXED) just looking for info. As most of you know I like to rescue fish in need of a home. Came across a few on facebook marketplace where the people are selling the tank as a set with fish and are willing to sell me some fish for a good price. Came across someone who is trying to sell a doctorfish tang. Anyone know anything about them? Info is kinda scarce, trying to make sure my tank would be a good home for it. Seeing a lot of conflicting info on their actual size in captivity. Some say 10 inches others are saying 15!

Also found a guy with a triggerfish and a transitioning ADULT emperor in a 55 gallon… that is horrible to me. I know they need big big tanks for their full grown size, just wondering how fast they grow.

Lbrdsoxfan · Jul 30, 2023

You DONT want the doctorfish tang, that will grow too big to be kept in most home tanks. They end up about 12" +- long and are wide and tend to not have an nice temperament. They are technically an acanthurus species, but those teeth tho, they remind me more of a trigger fish.

I usually dont bother with larger angels as the end game tank needs are more than I ever personally have had, but triggers seem to do ok for a bit in 60" long tanks. I kept 2-3 of them at a time in a 5ft 150g display for years.

IIRC from your tank failure, your display tank may be a bit small for everything listed long term.

littlefoxx · Jul 30, 2023

Lbrdsoxfan said:
You DONT want the doctorfish tang, that will grow too big to be kept in most home tanks. They end up about 12" +- long and are wide and tend to not have an nice temperament. They are technically an acanthurus species, but those teeth tho, they remind me more of a trigger fish.

I usually dont bother with larger angels as the end game tank needs are more than I ever personally have had, but triggers seem to do ok for a bit in 60" long tanks. I kept 2-3 of them at a time in a 5ft 150g display for years.

IIRC from your tank failure, your display tank may be a bit small for everything listed long term.

Yes I do have a plan to upgrade in a couple years when Im not renting for those fish! Thats just a tentative list, more like these are the fish I like and need to narrow down. And good to know about the doctorfish, Ill stay away. Some sources said they were very peaceful for tangs… thats why I ask here.

littlefoxx · Jul 30, 2023

Anyone think that I could rescue that emperor angel and give it a better tank or pass because how big he will get full grown

littlefoxx · Jul 30, 2023

littlefoxx said:
Anyone think that I could rescue that emperor angel and give it a better tank or pass because how big he will get full grown

Im so sad to see him in a 55 gallon with a triggerfish and other saltwater fish. And he for sure has adult coloring coming in

Rmckoy · Jul 30, 2023

littlefoxx said:
Hey all looking around for fish to rescue since my tank crashed. (Do not worry, I AM NOT PUTTING ANY FISH INTO THE TANK UNTIL MY ELECTRICAL ISSUE IN THE HOUSE IS FIXED) just looking for info. As most of you know I like to rescue fish in need of a home. Came across a few on facebook marketplace where the people are selling the tank as a set with fish and are willing to sell me some fish for a good price. Came across someone who is trying to sell a doctorfish tang. Anyone know anything about them? Info is kinda scarce, trying to make sure my tank would be a good home for it. Seeing a lot of conflicting info on their actual size in captivity. Some say 10 inches others are saying 15!

Also found a guy with a triggerfish and a transitioning ADULT emperor in a 55 gallon… that is horrible to me. I know they need big big tanks for their full grown size, just wondering how fast they grow.

I have had my emperor for 3 years and still hasn’t transitioned from juv
But they all grow at their own pace

I would add it …..
but keep in mind it will restrict you from adding any fleshy lps corals .

littlefoxx · Jul 30, 2023

Rmckoy said:
I have had my emperor for 3 years and still hasn’t transitioned from juv
But they all grow at their own pace

I would add it …..
but keep in mind it will restrict you from adding any fleshy lps corals .

How big is your tank? And Im still waiting on a reply to see if the guy would sell it to me