Tangs

[KyOsIBa515]

Hey all,

I have had many tangs over the years but never mixed same species. I have seen countless success with yellow and purple tangs being housed together.

It’s a higher risk but I tried it. I had an established yellow tang (I know it is best to introduce them together) and just added a purple tang the same size. So far after 24 hours they flap tails at each other at times. However, it doesn’t appear they are nipping at one another. Also, they will chase a little.

What are the odds they will settle down in time? Should I get the purple tang out? Or are there tricks to get them to accept one another? I have a 6 ft tank and they are both smaller.

Thanks.

 

[mdb_talon]

The only reasonable solution is to send the purple tang to me.

My real answer is I have seen several kept together without issue frequently, but only in quite large tanks. I had a 180 years ago with a yellow and purple together and eventually I got rid of the yellow because the purple tang was a ******* and would not leave him alone. There was plenty of room they probably would have been fine eventually, but the yellow tang was very stressed.

 

[Oldreefer44]

I have had them in a similar sized tank for years. The yellow is dominant and seemingly decides to put the purple in its place every few days but has never done any real damage. I would let it ride for now.

 

[GillMeister]

Tangs will do this every so often no matter how well they get along. I have a Yellow and a Mimic that are joined at the pectoral fin but even they go through this little dance. "Ha , see this? It's a HOOK, on my TAIL!!" "Oh yeah? Well I got one too and it's the same but deadlier!" It's just locker room posing. I don't expect any serious harm to come of it. As long as it's not relentless I wouldn't worry.

 

[KyOsIBa515]

Tangs will do this every so often no matter how well they get along. I have a Yellow and a Mimic that are joined at the pectoral fin but even they go through this little dance. "Ha , see this? It's a HOOK, on my TAIL!!" "Oh yeah? Well I got one too and it's the same but deadlier!" It's just locker room posing. I don't expect any serious harm to come of it. As long as it's not relentless I wouldn't worry.

Thanks, I am taking it as they are trying to figure out who is going to be b**** and who will be alpha. If it goes south i’ll get the purple tang out of there.

 

[GillMeister]

Thanks, I am taking it as they are trying to figure out who is going to be b**** and who will be alpha. If it goes south i’ll get the purple tang out of there.

I've had to remove one tang, a powder brown, that one was on a mission to kill. My Yellow was constantly on the run and missing chunks everywhere. I now have three that get along reasonably well. I have a clown tang that can get a little obnoxious but does no damage.

 

[KyOsIBa515]

The only reasonable solution is to send the purple tang to me.

My real answer is I have seen several kept together without issue frequently, but only in quite large tanks. I had a 180 years ago with a yellow and purple together and eventually I got rid of the yellow because the purple tang was a ******* and would not leave him alone. There was plenty of room they probably would have been fine eventually, but the yellow tang was very stressed.

Really? I’d take the yellow. They are worth more money now . Which is crazy. Never thought i’d see purple tangs less.

 

[mdb_talon]

Really? I’d take the yellow. They are worth more money now . Which is crazy. Never thought i’d see purple tangs less.

I definitely prefer purple tangs over yellow. I wont mind if you send both though I could definitely sell the yellow and buy some coral with proceeds.

 

[Gtinnel]

I'd agree that they're figuring out a pecking order and as long one of them isn't being constantly attacked then they'll probably work it out.

I have had many tangs over the years but never mixed same species.

A purple and yellow are different species. I assume you meant genus, which in this case would be Zebrasoma.

 

[KyOsIBa515]

I'd agree that they're figuring out a pecking order and as long one of them isn't being constantly attacked then they'll probably work it out.

A purple and yellow are different species. I assume you meant genus, which in this case would be Zebrasoma.

Yes

 

[KyOsIBa515]

I definitely prefer purple tangs over yellow. I wont mind if you send both though I could definitely sell the yellow and buy some coral with proceeds.

I agree and am only messin. Purple tangs are one of the most attractive tangs to me. That and maybe a Gem or juvenile Chevron.