Should we really keep tangs in groups of the same species?

[i cant think]

Tangs are probably one of the worst topics to talk about, however here’s what I want to see your guys’ opinion on, Should we truly keep these fish in groups of the same species? I’m curious to see what you guys think, also yes I know there are some species such as the convict that are exceptions but overall here’s what I think:

mixing several of the same species of tang together will just end with dieoffs one by one. i say this because when we look at groups of tangs in the wild, they’re never in 2-3 and there’s always Atleast 20 if not in the three debit numbers. And even then they don’t have a specific hierarchy that we know of, it’s more like they tolerate eachother then just go and split into smaller groups to breed.
Also, when we say things like “Happy as can be” is this really true when it comes to the larger more pelagic swimming tangs such as Acanthurus mata or Acanthurus fowleri?

 

[Zionas]

Bump

 

[Zionas]

Wonder why this thread isn’t getting more responses? I’m sure many have wondered the same / have experience.

 

[Salty_Dreamer]

I came because I am interested in the topic, but not sure of the answer.

 

[Naso180!]

Definitely following. Want to add a group of sailfins or Scopas to my new 180. Also don't know the answer

 

[Zionas]

I think even one Sailfin will outgrow a 180. They get large AND very tall.

 

[Naso180!]

Thanks for the heads up. What about the Scopas or even convicts?? I just want something thats a decent size and will possibly school. No chromis or firefish ECT

 

[Zionas]

I am not sure about Convicts but Scopas, maybe. I don’t think it’s feasible to keep the majority of Acanthurus Tangs in multiples, they are big time swimmers and swim over long distances more so than Zebrasoma and Cthenochaetus. However, my problem will all Tangs is still that we aren’t really sure how exactly core parts of their biology function, especially with regards to group dynamics and whether they change sex.

 

[Salty_Dreamer]

I think even one Sailfin will outgrow a 180. They get large AND very tall.

Have you had a sailfin get that large? I currently have one in my 150.

 

[Zionas]

I have heard of them getting to 11-12” even though they probably won’t reach the wild size of 16”. I think 10-11” is still possible given time.

 

[keithw283]

Thanks for the heads up. What about the Scopas or even convicts?? I just want something thats a decent size and will possibly school. No chromis or firefish ECT

how about anthias? My LFS has about 10 in a display and it's pretty cool to watch

 

[i cant think]

Thanks for the heads up. What about the Scopas or even convicts?? I just want something thats a decent size and will possibly school. No chromis or firefish ECT

Tangs don’t school, they just tolerate eachother to a standard. And the size of 11-12 inch is VERY possible for Sailfin, I have had one hit 14” from a 1” juvenile in the past. I also had one customer for the LFS I once worked in have a 13” sailfin from a 2” specimen. His tank was either 10 or 14 foot and had a Sohal in and even then these fish were said to still look rather big. From the photos I would’ve definitely agreed with it.
Personally I would stick to one tang, 6’ tanks just aren’t big enough for several of the same species of tang. Convicts are much more social so it wouldn’t be impossible but again, these fish need 7-9’ tanks for swim room. Yes these fish won’t always reach 16” however, they will always reach close to it. Just do the fishes max size x 0.8 and you get how big it will most likely be in captivity. Usually smaller ones either haven’t stopped growing or are stunted.