Hippo Tang Behavior?

Bernardhny · Feb 20, 2014

Is it normal for a hippo tang to try to wedge itself between rocks? My tang (new to the tank) loved to squeeze itself between two rocks.

The fish looks healthy otherwise. Just this crazy wedge thing? Thoughts?

Thanks

Bernard

Reefing Madness · Feb 20, 2014

Yup, thats what these nuts do. They will do it also when sleeping.

jesterisdead · Feb 20, 2014

Yep my blue slides in between two rocks horizontally and sleeps there or bolts to it when spooked.

Bernardhny · Feb 20, 2014

Thanks for putting my mind to ease. I was worried that it was a sign of ich or something.

jesterisdead · Feb 20, 2014

Shhh.... Don't say that word. I'm tang heavy and so far after 8 months still good. Watching the different tangs school together is pretty cool and the colors are amazing.

Naso
Powder Blue
Yellow
Tomoni
Hippo
Sailfin

Bernardhny · Feb 20, 2014

I hear you! I put a UV filter on the tank so I could sustain the hippo. I only have a 55g so I am already breaking the rules with a yellow and hippo tang.

Reefing Madness · Feb 20, 2014

Uv doesn't kill Ich, it just kills (sterilizes) the free floating eggs at that point, not the ones that have already gotten to the substrate.

Bernardhny · Feb 20, 2014

I didn't know that!

roadrashpaul · Feb 20, 2014

Normal for the tang. Mine wedges in the smallest places and sleeps completely on his side every night.

90greefman · Feb 20, 2014

Haha, they so do. Mine goes horizontal at night in between 2 rocks, I always think he's dead but he never is.

jesterisdead · Feb 20, 2014

My defense is healthy eating fish. I feed once or sometimes twice a day and nori every two days.

Of course I have to skim like mad to keep up with the crude.

TriggerThis · Feb 20, 2014

Bernardhny said:
I didn't know that!

You need to start reading.

Also it is a sign of ICH if they're rubbing on the rocks all over the place.
And it's ok to have both of those in a 55 as long as they're on the small size.

gregcoyote · Feb 21, 2014

They love wedging themselves into tight places. The issue with most surgeonfish and ick is caused by stress related issues such as cramped quarters or aggressive behaviors with no place to escape. Unfortunately this is a common problem because everyone loves tangs. Good luck with yours, but consider upgrading their living conditions so they can live a long time.