Kole nipping at Foxface

Bryan68 · Jun 1, 2020

I have a Kole tang that has been nipping at my Foxface for several weeks now. They both have been in the tank for about 5-6 months without issue. I know the foxface can defend himself but he is getting to the point where he hides in the corner after the nipping starts, this happens dozens of times per day.
Tank is 5 foot, so I don't think that is an issue. Was thinking about taping a picture of a kole tang to the glass to give him something else to do. Does anyone agree with this thought or have another idea? Thanks in advance!

revhtree · Jun 1, 2020

Bryan68 said:
I have a Kole tang that has been nipping at my Foxface for several weeks now. They both have been in the tank for about 5-6 months without issue. I know the foxface can defend himself but he is getting to the point where he hides in the corner after the nipping starts, this happens dozens of times per day.
Tank is 5 foot, so I don't think that is an issue. Was thinking about taping a picture of a kole tang to the glass to give him something else to do. Does anyone agree with this thought or have another idea? Thanks in advance!

You can give the photo trick a try. I know it has worked for others.

Bryan68 · Jun 1, 2020

revhtree said:
You can give the photo trick a try. I know it has worked for others.

Thank you for the reply.

sfin52 · Jun 1, 2020

Koles can be mean especially if there isn't a lot of algea. They are a constant grazer. The foxface and kole eat the same thing. You may never be able to reduce the agression.

I would up the greens and maybe try some fresh greens like romaine.

Bryan68 · Jun 2, 2020

sfin52 said:
Koles can be mean especially if there isn't a lot of algea. They are a constant grazer. The foxface and kole eat the same thing. You may never be able to reduce the agression.

I would up the greens and maybe try some fresh greens like romaine.

I never thought or knew about fresh greens, I will try that. Any particular way you clean the fresh greens? Or just under tap water?

sfin52 · Jun 2, 2020

Bryan68 said:
I never thought or knew about fresh greens, I will try that. Any particular way you clean the fresh greens? Or just under tap water?

Ro water. Rinse really well.

Bpfor3 · Jun 2, 2020

i have used the mirror trick on my PB. Mirror is only about 6" in diameter, but it does the trick. Give it a shot and take it down after a day and see what happens. I also echo the thought of keeping well fed. there is an article on tang aggression floating around on the forum somewhere. Good luck.

sfin52 · Jun 2, 2020

Bpfor3 said:
i have used the mirror trick on my PB. Mirror is only about 6" in diameter, but it does the trick. Give it a shot and take it down after a day and see what happens. I also echo the thought of keeping well fed. there is an article on tang aggression floating around on the forum somewhere. Good luck.

Tang Aggression - Understanding and Combating

Tang Aggression - Understanding and Combating So what's the deal with tangs? How do I keep them together? Why are they so aggressive and difficult to keep sometimes? It's a common discussion point. Some may dissent with what I have to share but I've never had less than three tanks running at a...

www.reef2reef.com