Tomini Tang rubbing against Naso Tang

[August_S]

I have an established fish only tank. I have a relatively large Naso tang I’ve had for years and a Tomini tang that I’ve had for about 2 years. They get along just fine. Suddenly, they’re both huddled in the back of the tank, the Naso tang is vertical, and the tomini tang is facing the opposite direction and rubbing on the Naso. The naso looks distressed (very dark in color and forming white splotches that fade away and then re-emerge). I rearranged the tank once and the naso got stressed and exhibited this stunned/splotchy behavior which is why I think she’s stressed. Do I have a pair of horny tangs trying to do business in the back of the tank, or is it something else I should be worried about. As I’m writing this, the tomini just approached the naso and shoved its butt in the naso’s face and started shaking. I’ve never seen them do this before and it’s just very bizarre.

 

[Punchanello]

Is it rubbing or actually swiping? What you describe sounds like the Tomini is attacking with it's tail barb.

 

[fishguy242]

good question

 

[nereefpat]

Wrestling to establish dominance.

How big are the tangs, and what is the tank size,

 

[C. Eymann]

Tomini is basically trying to shank the naso with its tailspine.

Most likely reason they got along before and now suddenly the tomini is being aggressive towards the naso is because the tomini has reached sexual maturity, even some of the most aggressive tangs like Sohals, clowns, powder blues etc etc will be docile while a juvenile for a few years, then suddenly they go on a rampage when they reach sexual maturity.

My guess is this is what is happening here

 

[Cell]

Is it possible that the Naso is sick and weakened which emboldened the Tomini to establish dominance?

 

[fishguy242]

help us out here op august

 

[August_S]

It doesn’t look like swiping. It’s just vibrating. I’ll monitor the naso for marks. The naso is about 6-7 inches long. The tomini is about 3-4 inches long.

 

[fishguy242]

still happening did you try feeding to distract

 

[August_S]

It stops for a few minutes and then they go to the back of the tank together and shake. It’s a 120gal tank

 

[August_S]

Lights are out in the tank, so everyone’s slowed down. I do see some white marks on the side of the Naso, so the tomini beating up on the Naso seems to be what’s happening. Now what. I’ve never had my big fish quarrel. I have a punk clown fish that likes to nip and chase my lawn-mower goby, but they keep to their side of the tank now. Will the bigger fish do the same? Keep their distance once dominance is established? Or is the tomini out for blood and needs to be re-homed?

 

[fishguy242]

keep a close eye on tomorrow time will tell ,hopfully just moody today ,hate to say poss sense weakness in naso will trigger also ,lets hope not ,waiting for good news tomorrow

 

[August_S]

I had a heater die on me and the tank dropped to 68 degrees 2 weeks ago. All good now but I’m sure some fish recover faster than others