Yellow Tang and Purple Tang question.

[Fieryfrog]

I have a yellow tang that has been in the tank for some time, and we decided to add a Purple Tang. They are odd. Sometimes they hang out together and are the best of friends.

But other times they do something odd. I don't know if it is violence or just playing. They will swim up to each other and slap their rear fins together.

Should I bee concerned? Or is this a little playing?

 

[CastAway]

The small white barbs on each of their tails are called scalpels, so I hear, like the surgical instrument. They're weapons, offensive and defensive I think. When they wave or slap their tails, these scalpels project out from their bodies. My hippo and yellow do the same thing. Seems to me, like mine are just keeping each other in check this way, not really fighting. I could be wrong however.

 

[Waffo]

Good question. I would also like to know this.. I'm looking to add a purple tang too I already have a yellow.

 

[Barky]

what size of tank you have? you need room for these fish to roam and graze and hide. most of the time i think it has to do with tank dominance. I have a 240 gl. with 6 tangs with my blue hippo being the oldest and he seems to be the boss and ruler of the tank. not fighting but of size and age. just my thoughts

 

[Reefing Madness]

They are not playing thats for sure. But rather a meeting of the dominance, this will happen in smaller tanks where they come together often. Usually doesn't lead to anything, but could.

 

[Waffo]

What about in a 6ft 125 gallon?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Hit or miss, believe it or not its still small for them, theyll run in to each other quite often.

 

[Waffo]

I would like to have another tang in my tank. Would any other do good?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Kole, Mimic, Whitetail Bristletooth, Flame Fin, Atlantic Blue, Blue Eye.

 

[Waffo]

Thanks

 

[alberto]

achilles 2 purple tang 2 yellow tank sailfin tang regal tang and are very good friends

 

[CastAway]

Wow! That is a lot of Tangs alberto.

 

[alberto]

Wow! That is a lot of Tangs alberto.

Thanks and chevron tang to

 

[Joeganja]

With tangs you must be very cautious. The zebrasomas species especially. Adding a yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and adding the purple tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) into the aquarium at the same time would be your best bet especially if you have an aquarium under 150 gallons. They will become aggressive towards each other if you don't introduce them at the same time. Plus any zebrasoma species should be the last addition to the aquarium. And to answer Waffo's question id recommend you get a naso tang or blonde naso tang. They are much more peaceful than any of the zebrasoma species. Some acantharus species may be a little more delicate and more susceptible to ich such as any of the powder tangs. A regal would do good or a tomini or kole or chevron tang. Btw always get the fish a little bit smaller or a little but bigger than your yellow tang.

 

[Waffo]

After some research I'm thinking of just keeping me yellow tang by its self.. I really like a peaceful tank. But I really like tangs.