Two Bristletooth Tangs Won't Work Together, Will They?

[Majolica15]

I already know the answer. I just need someone to beat it into my brain.

I have my heart set on a white tail bristletooth tang for an 81 gallon tank. I ordered a purple short spine urchin from LiveAquaria. Apparently, I was severely misled about what a purple short spine urchin looks like, and it looks shockingly like a two spot bristletooth tang.

This fish will never work in that tank with the white tail bristletooth, will it? I'm already getting attached to the little guy (*note: I've already contacted LiveAquaria about the mistake, and they told me that I could keep or donate him). But the white tail bristletooth was one of the "goal" fish. One I was REALLY looking forward to. I'm also a bit afraid that the two spot might get too big to live with something like a firefish. According to LiveAquaria, they can get almost two inches larger than the white tail bristletooth.

Just tell me it won't work. I already know. Also, I don't buy animals without researching them, but since I didn't buy this guy....

 

[i cant think]

I already know the answer. I just need someone to beat it into my brain.

I have my heart set on a white tail bristletooth tang for an 81 gallon tank. I ordered a purple short spine urchin from LiveAquaria. Apparently, I was severely misled about what a purple short spine urchin looks like, and it looks shockingly like a two spot bristletooth tang.

This fish will never work in that tank with the white tail bristletooth, will it? I'm already getting attached to the little guy (*note: I've already contacted LiveAquaria about the mistake, and they told me that I could keep or donate him). But the white tail bristletooth was one of the "goal" fish. One I was REALLY looking forward to. I'm also a bit afraid that the two spot might get too big to live with something like a firefish. According to LiveAquaria, they can get almost two inches larger than the white tail bristletooth.

Just tell me it won't work. I already know. Also, I don't buy animals without researching them, but since I didn't buy this guy....

1. Unfortunately you are correct and the chances of it working are VERY slim, I wish I could say it may work but unfortunately the tank is 4’x2’x2’.
2. Pick whichever you like more. I personally LOVE my twin spot and yes sometimes I wish I could’ve gone with a white tail but even then, the personality I see in the ones at my LFS are pretty drab.
3. Size wise, that makes no sense, Twin Spot Bristletooths are one of the smallest bristletooths (Staying around 4 inch). The 6 inch but may be the wild size however I doubt a 1” fish will ever hit 6” in a few years. Yes it’s possible but you’d have to keep it for a very long time. Mine was bought at 1”, possibly 0.5” two years ago, it’s now 3” and doesn’t really care about the new introductions I have. He also has TONS of personality (Another reason I think these fish shouldn’t be overlooked). They’re often overlooked due to the Colour.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

I like the Tahitian white tail.

 

[nereefpat]

You are right. I would keep the white tail and sell/trade in the 2-spot.

Where in NE are you? I might be able to help with that.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

One bristletooth per million gallons of water it seems. My tomini will hardly tolerate anything that remotely resembles a fish(tried to kill a niger trigger his size, but ignored a majestic angel also of equal size) he isn't used to, and a bristletooth that is shaped just like him is instantly on death row. Some times I wish I had a pretty white tail, but I won't give up my tomini for one either.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Like the others have said, you’d probably need to just pick one, but I really have to agree that if an urchin of any kind looks like a tang then all the fish sites really need to correct their photos.

 

[Majolica15]

Thanks everyone. I'll definitely have to make a decision.

You are right. I would keep the white tail and sell/trade in the 2-spot.

Where in NE are you? I might be able to help with that.

Feel free to message me. We might be able to work something out. I'm in the northeast part of the state. I'd feel more comfortable knowing where he goes, rather than trading him in at a store.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Apparently, I was severely misled about what a purple short spine urchin looks like, and it looks shockingly like a two spot bristletooth tang.

I literally laughed out loud at this -- thank you!!

 

[polyppal]

move along sir…

 

[Majolica15]

I literally laughed out loud at this -- thank you!!

I live to serve.

 

[stovenut]

Live Aquaria Rook: Hey Boss. This reefer needs an urchin, probably has some algae. But we're out of urchins. What do we do?

Boss: Send them a tang, same difference.

 

[Majolica15]

I'm not going to lie... I'm getting attached to this doofus. I'm probably going to end up keeping him and forgoing the white tail bristletooth. He's delightfully... simple. He once spent ALL day playing with bubbles. Granted, he's in a quarantine, so doesn't have a lot to do, but... still. I can't imagine expecting his simple mind to adjust to a new routine. I'm pretty sure the only reason he survived in the ocean is because the other animals felt too guilty to eat him! ;Hilarious

 

[bnord]

I AM NOT trying to suggest you keep both.
However, and as just mentioned in another thread - I have flame and blue eyed bristle in a 90 lagoon, with lots of flowing channels and habitat. and apart from some 2-3 second chases, they get along fine - could be the exception to the rule, but fine - point is though they were added together and there is a ton of habitat

I would have a very hard time catching either of them out of mine, but there are ways to ease the new tang into the tank to see how they might get along - and if you have a scape that allows you to catch one of them in the worse case scenario without mishap you might consider

Again, not advocating - and if you go with one, go with the one you want to lave and feed for a long time...

Otherwise I will trade you an urchin for it - smile