Achilles and Powder Blue Tang…Together? – 06/30/08
Can an Achilles and a Powder Blue get along in a system of 800 gallons...if both the same size and added at the same time?
<<I have mixed Acanthurus species, and seen others do so, in displays of some several hundred gallons…so yes, in systems of size such as yours it is my estimation you could do this. In fact, in a tank this size I suspect you could even get away with pairs of the same species. And just a side note…these fishes enjoy, even require, a LOT of water movement. Regards, EricR>>

Powder Blue Tang And Yellow Eyed Tang/Compatibility 9/3/07
I have a 100g Reef Tank that is 6 feet long with 150 lbs of live rock and a DSB. I have 2 False Percs, a Starry Blenny, and just added two 4-5" Tangs. Those being the Powder Blue Tang and the Yellow Eyed Tang. I read as much as I could before purchasing and picked these two since they are in two different families and two different colors. They are semi close in size the Powder Blue being slightly larger. I made sure both of them ate well at the LFS before purchasing. Then I went to add them at the same time as had read that it helps to alleviate territory issues.
<With the Powder Blue in question, it would have been much better to add the Yellow Eye Tang first, then a couple of weeks later add the Powder Blue. Even with that scenario, Powder Blue's tend to be very aggressive toward other tangs and will become dominant as you mention. If I were to have a Powder Blue, it would be the only tang in the tank.>
I know that no matter what Tang it is that personality is a major factor in the acclimation. I drip acclimated them for about 2 1/2-3 hours. Fed the residents before introducing. Turned off the lights and placed the
fish into the tank. Left the lights out for the rest of the day and night. In the morning the powder blue was wandering the tank with a look of a happy puppy. No issues with the two clowns. However tended to do light chases with the Starry blenny. Fortunately for the blenny he hasn't been super intimidated and was the first fish in the tank and knows every hole in the live rock. The Powder hasn't been super aggressive but simply does a light chase on the blenny.
Sorry to go on and I will try to get to my point of question. The Yellow Eyed tang was being very tentative and was hiding back behind the live rock. I thought this was in fear of the Powder Blue initially. I would see the Powder Blue in his travels go back into the area that the Yellow Eye was at and while the Powder wouldn't attack he would do a shake and shimmer next to him. I know this is a symbol of aggression or attempt to create dominance. The Yellow Eye would retreat.
<Sounds like typical behavior of a healthy Powder Blue, they will challenge other tangs. If it were me, I'd see if you can return one or the other to your LFS. I believe your Yellow Eye is going to have a difficult time feeding with the Powder Blue present.>
I had to go to work and as I left the room the Yellow Eye began to swim outward and investigate. My guess is he was intimidated by me. However the Powder did give him a very light chase. My question is this. I realize you cannot tell me exactly whether the situation will work itself out because the personality plays such an important role. I was wondering however if my description of the level of aggression implies just sorting out dominance or if this seems more a prelude to higher aggression.
<You are just looking at normal behavior of a Powder Blue.>
My personal thought is that the yellow eye might perk up a little bit after adjusting to the new tank and perhaps they can balance themselves out. Right now it seems that the Powder Blue adjusted to our presence and has been happy and sees the Yellow eye not being nearly as bold and is taking advantage of this to be the alpha of the tank. However since I have never introduced multiple tangs I didn't know if there was a typical sort out behavior or not. Any info on their initial behavior would be welcome. Thanks again and I love reading your responses and your site is very helpful.
<Steven, do read here and linked files above on the Powder Blue. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Sincerely,
Steven

Re: Powder Blue And Yellow Eyed Tang/Compatibility 9/5/07
Thank you for your reply.
<You're welcome.>
While I was at work yesterday I contemplated perhaps actually returning the Powder Blue, since the Yellow Eye would be an overall healthier and less aggressive tankmate.
<True, and would be a good decision.>
When I got home I saw the Yellow Eye and the Powder Blue eating coral off the same rock side by side.
<Eating coral??>
I then did something that I thought would be helpful but wound up being stupid. I then added dried seaweed to a feeder clip in the tank. Unfortunately the floating seaweed spooked the two tangs and the Powder gave a little chase to the Yellow Eye and they both hid. So I turned off the lights hoping that they would normalize to the floating seaweed. I am going to give this acclimation some more time unless I see either fish have higher stress. Since I see them both eating.
<OK>
Thank you,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Steven

Re: Powder Blue And Yellow Eyed Tang/Compatibility 9/6/07
James,
<Steven>
Sorry for a little confusion I haven't gotten much sleep due to our baby boy thinking sleep is an unnecessary evil. They were eating algae <algae> off the live rock not the coral. I took your good advice and removed the Powder Blue and I put some cheato <Chaeto> from my refugium and put it in a clip since it will appear more natural and less threatening than the seaweed. I truly do appreciate your advice.
<You're welcome, and a good move. James (Salty Dog)>
Steven

I bet you've never seen this before! Acanthurus leucosternon beh./comp. aggr.   7/12/07
Hey Bob,
<Jim>
Some time ago you helped me out with a powder blue tang that had crypt (after a 2 month quarantine). He was attacking his own reflection in the glass which was stressing him out. The ich wasn't terrible so I took a wait and see approach and it has now been about six months since any sign of it.
He is fat and doing great.
<Ah, good>
I got him at about 3'' and he is a bit over 4'' now. The only other occupants of the reef are a 3 1/2'' emperor angel and 2 percula clowns. I have attempted to add several others but the PBT kicks the crap out of them immediately upon arrival so it looks like he has made himself the final addition to the tank. The tank is an SPS dominated reef with a few LPS in the sand, some star polyps, and some xenia. You would think I should be concerned about the angel, but I have yet to see him pay any attention to the corals. On the other hand the PBT thinks the xenia and star polyps taste wonderful. None of this is truly that out of the ordinary.
what is out of the ordinary though is what happened today. After a 2 month quarantine I decided to attempt to add a sunburst Anthias. I figured I would remove the PBT( named Jack - the ripper) for a week and let the anthias get situated in his new home. I also have a 180 gal species tank that houses a 8" clown trigger. So I got the Idea that maybe If Jack spends the next week getting chased around by that monster it might knock him down a peg or two. Normally I would not recommend this but there are a lot of places to hide and I am on vacation for the next week so I would keep a close eye on them. This is where it gets interesting. I added Jack to the tank with the trigger and immediately the trigger went after Jack. I ran in the other room to grab the net and when I got back I was amazed to see a little PBT Kicking the crap out of a huge Clown Trigger. He was swimming circles around the trigger like a tornado. By the time I got him out the triggers fins were frayed in a bunch of spots. Jack is now in quarantine and the only question I've got is have you ever heard of this and can I return him to his original tank or will he decide to attack his old roommates!
Thanks,
Jim
<Good name, story... And yes, have known some tang terrors... Many have a "tude" and a switchblade to go with it! Cheers! BobF>

Powder Blue / Powder Brown Compatibility   3/8/07
Hello,
<Hi there>
            I have an interesting situation on my hands.  I ordered a Acanthurus japonicus and a Zebrasoma desjardinii for my 90 gallon aquarium.  For the most part, my tank is an LPS specialty tank with an assortment of LPS corals and inverts… shrimp, crabs, feather dusters, etc.  The only other fish are a pair of Premnas biaculeatus.
<Hopefully small... can be/come quite territorial>
I didn’t plan on stocking any more fish other than these two tangs.  My problem is this… I received a Zebrasoma desjardinii (3 inch) and a HYPERLINK "http://www.wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm"Acanthurus leucosternon (4 inch).  I sent the company an email with pictures of the mistake and asked for a resolution.  I would not have ordinarily ordered a HYPERLINK "http://www.wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm "Acanthurus leucosternon, due to their poor survivability in captivity.
<I agree with you... Need much larger systems to do well... and are VERY prone to "coral reef disease">
I received an email back that I can keep the fish and that they would send me a Acanthurus japonicus and that it was in the mail already.  My problem:  there are no local LFS’s that will buy my Acanthurus leucosternon.  My local shop would be happy to take it, but not pay for it.
<Mmm, Craig's list? A local marine/reef club?>
Since I have this beautiful fish, I was wondering if there was any hope of survival in my aquarium.
<Some... but not enough to interest me... Hopefully you have not placed this fish in your main/display tank>
I consider a 90 a bit on the small size for 3 tangs, and never planned for it in the first place.  I also am aware that I will now have two fish of the Acanthurus genus together and figured that could be a problem.  Currently I have acclimated them all, freshwater dipped them, and they are split up in two separate quarantine tanks.
<Thank goodness>
If there was a good chance of survival, I would at least like to give it a try.  I am also concerned that if the fish goes to my local LFS, it may not make it out alive.  They have never kept any tangs other than the yellow tangs and usually have a few dead fish every time that I am there.  This would be the reason why I mail order everything.  Please advise, Brian
<Well... I would be investigating (seriously) where you might move the PBT to... in case things don't "work out"... The much more important, real issue here is parasitic disease... and the concomitant stress that will VERY likely bring it on. Be ready to remove, treat all fishes. Bob Fenner>

Powder Blue and Yellow Tang? 4/27/06
NO Vacancy (A Fully-Stocked Aquarium)
I have an opportunity to acquire a Powder Blue Tang.  WWM says these are notoriously poor survivors in captivity, but this particular fish has been in the tank for 2 years, so I assume this is one of the survivors. Anyway, I already have a 3" Yellow Tang, nearly 3 years old.  Will these two fish get along?  Tank is a 3 year old 125 gal with 130 lbs of live rock and plenty of algae.
Other occupants include 3" Blue Angel (2+ yrs
old), Royal Gramma, Sixline Wrasse, Chalk Bass, Green Chromis, and
Lawnmower Blenny.
<Well, these Tangs do inhabit different ecological niches, so they will probably get along reasonably well, but I'm more concerned about the available space in the aquarium. These guys need a lot of room, particularly the Powder Blue Tang. Your aquarium is pretty well populated already, in my opinion, and the addition of this fish will put you over the edge on stocking, as far as I'm concerned. It's also a personal rule of mine not to house more than one Tang in any aquarium less than 6 feet in length, if for no other reason than the large territory these guys need to rang over.>  
I'm also considering adding a French Angel and Dwarf Angel, giving me three angels of varying sizes.
<Please don't. Way too many fish at that point- and the French Angel can reach a HUGE size. To pack it into a tank like that would spell disaster for the long term, IMO. Kind of like you being stuck for the rest of your life in a reasonably comfortable, but crowded apartment. Not an ideal situation.>
LFS says that would likely minimize fighting.
<In a tank of suitable size (were talking HUNDREDS of gallons), sure.>
Anyway, would the PBT (or any of my other fish) have a
problem with the angels or with a potential Foxface?
<I'd pass on any more additions of fishes that can reach 4 inches or more, myself. I know that it seems as though the tank could support the fish, and it will, in the very short term. However, when you purchase fishes, you need to think of the long term. Some of the fishes that you are considering reach large sizes, requiring a large amount of physical space. Do reconsider your stocking plan for long-term success. Best of luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Frogspawn Coral and a  Fish fight... Euphyllia beh. and PB Tang sys.
Hello Everyone.
<James>
I saw something strange in the tank this morning and I will do my best to describe it on the frogspawn colony. First off, only one outcrop did
this and the others on the branch did not. It seemed to balloon at the bottom (where attached) with the polyps retracted. This I have not seen
before as normally they just retract polyps if they are touched or at night. This branch all were getting morning sunlight though not direct
bright light. I never have seen this before and can only describe it as ballooning at the bottom. Do you have any idea what this behavior is?
Spawning maybe??? =)
<Perhaps>
Part two comes with some surprise from me. I introduced my powder blue tang to the main tank last night and it was not well received by the Foxface?!?
<Mmm, not unusual... the two families are closely related... use similar niches...>
Now, okay, they are both surgeon fish but they are not the same species, as with Zebrasomas for instance; so if I mixed a yellow
and purple tang together I should certainly expect trouble. The Foxface has been a very peaceful and easy going fish and has got along very well
with everything in the tank thus far. I thought more of it as the big (bigger now and compared to the others anyway) yellow coward. It was
strange, this fish swam over and immediately started at the powder blue with its spines and they went at each other for a little while before I
shut the lights completely (I just couldn't catch the P.B.T. around all the live rock to remove it). This morning they are on opposite sides of
the tank and I switched the lights off rather than have the lights come on with the timers so I can see how they interact when I get back home.
I figured I would have had to move the firefish to the 24 gallon and planned on it (just too passive). I thought the royal Gramma and flame
angel would both adapt and thus far seem to. Work issues and travel kept me from this introduction sooner so the qt period for the PBT was about
3.5 weeks rather than the 2.5 I wanted.  
<Longer is better here>
I still have the 55 gallon tank in addition to the 24 gallon (was just used for QT for the PBT) plus the main tank 75 megaflow with a 20 gallon
RDP sump/refugium. I really do not want to put either fish in the 24gallon as it is way to small long term. Both fish are marked from
their little tiff. Size wise the Foxface is larger by about an inch.
<Good. Better>
Had the aggression started from the PBT I would not be as surprised. I did not think Foxy had this in her. I do not like seeing her mottled and
unhappy in the corner of the tank. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Re-setup of the 55 gallon tank won't be impossible just
difficult and more expensive as I will need a new filter, light and protein skimmer... I moved these to the 75 setup in place of the 55
though I kept that tank and stand. Wow, surprises...
Thank you.
James Zimmer
<I would just wait this out at this point. Likely they will "learn to get along"... Acanthurus leucosternon needs more space than a 75... Bob Fenner>

Re: Frogspawn Coral and a  Fish fight ... siganid comp.    4/14/06
Thank you Bob.
<Welcome>
I agree completely about space and the 75 setup is really the next step towards a much larger system (the wife has to sign off on this too you know... this I could swing). In plans now is at least 180 gallon system and I really 'prefer' to go as large as 300 gallons (it will be space dependent when we get our house).
<"First things first...">
At the moment I am saving for lighting and other infrastructure. The 75g with the 20g sump/RDP was both a reasonable financial compromise and a stepping stone to get used to
plumbing and other issues before I get a much bigger system. Not to mention, I also salvaged some of the items I already have without incurring hideous expenses upfront as they fit this new setup; my Coralife PC wasn't going on a longer tank.
As for the fish (knocking on wood here) they are still standoffish but are somewhat getting along. Feeding time went well and though they postured they were pretty well behaved. The shock really came from the behavior of the Foxface... I never saw that side of her before. I sometimes hand feed and can darn near pet her... though for the obvious reasons won't! ; )
<... Acanthurids and close-reef Siganids don't cohabitate in small spaces...>
Oh, moving one of the frogspawn colonies (with Aiptasia) to the 24 gallon was a good experiment. The peppermint shrimp worked his magic and the 'free anemones' are gone. Moving affected rock this way also has been replenishing the pod populations in the main system and gives a constant supply of algae feeding rocks... cool! Sure beats the Ca(OH)2
slurry and pipette for removing the Aiptasia.
James
<Oh yes. Bob Fenner>

Clarification re Siganids, comp.    4/14/06
Bob.
Regarding your response, I don't think I understand 'close-reef' in regard to Siganids. Does this imply they are simply reef dwelling fish and not more free-ocean swimming?
<Yes... sorry for the apparent confusion. Some "Spinefoots"/Rabbitfishes are more open-ocean, tend to be schooling species... trend to being "easier going" than Lo vulpinus...>
However, separation down the line seems inevitable...
<Yes... this tank is too small...>
assuming, of course, I am fortunate enough to see the Acanthurus leucosternon thrive over time (I do hope so). I had preferred the hepatus tangs for a multitude of reasons but I have not seen many truly good specimens for quite some time now and again this powder blue was/is gorgeous.
James  
<Live and learn... hopefully. Bob Fenner>

Tang/Butterfly Dispute - 01/18/06
Hello,
<<Howdy>>
I am having a major problem and don't know what to do.  I have a 75
gallon FOWLR.  Last night I added a Copperband Butterfly.  I read everything I could find about the fish first before adding him and asked three of my LFS people before getting him but this still didn't prevent what has been happening.
<<Don't ya just hate it when the fish don't read the same books, talk to the same people!>>
My Powder Brown Tang has been chasing him all over the tank
forcing him to hide in the top corners of the tank.  I turned off the lights and the aggression seemed to drop off a bit.  This morning I saw him chasing him around some more and back to the corner he retreated.  My question is will this subside?
<<Hard to say...>>
Should I just yank him now and put him back in QT?  Here are all the tankmates:
75 Gallons
80 pounds of LR
1 Tomato Clown
1 Powder Brown Tang
4 Green Chromis
1 Cleaner Shrimp
Thanks,
Jason
<<I would leave the butterfly in the display, pull the tang and put it in the QT tank, rearrange the rockwork in the display, and reintroduce the tang in about a week's time...if all goes well the butterfly will be comfortable/familiar enough and the tang confused enough the aggression will be mitigated.  regards, EricR>>

Powder blue tang
I have just bought a powder blue tang, I told the person in the shop what  
fish I already have, they said it should be ok. when I put him in I had no  
problem with any of my other fish except my yellow tang, do these two  normally
get on??
<The Powder Blue is not easily kept by hobbyists period. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm and the related FAQs files (linked, in blue, at top). Members of the Tang family often quarrel, particularly ones of similar body shape and size... Bob Fenner>

Powder Blue Surgeons... best for species tanks? 10/9/04
Thanks for the help, but sad to say that he died later that day. :(
<very sorry to hear it, my friend... but it is a notoriously difficult fish to import and keep. Some people do well with them, but most have troubles stemming from some common problems/mistakes (lack of proper quarantine... even if clean, the fish is more easily stressed when thrown into an established tank of fishes than others... truly needs  quiet month or more in isolation to acclimate to captivity and fatten up).. also lack of adequate housing... these surgeons need especially large/long tanks (6 feet minimum IMO for long term success) and very high water flow (20X turnover minimum... else you'll notice pacing behavior). I share your admiration for this fish, but I do not recommend it often to aquarists. Too many die and become a statistic. To better days, Anthony>

Powder blue tangs
Dear Bob,
I have a 120 FO tank, 84"x18"x18". I would like to add a 2.5 - 3" powder
blue tang to the tank. It already contains a regal tang(2.5") and an emperor
(imperator) angel (in juv. colours, about 3.5"). Would the tang be ok with
these tanks mates ?
Nori, and veg, matter is fed in large quantities on a daily basis
Thanks. Matthew Silvester, Co. Cork, Ireland.
>>
Matthew, I encourage you (strongly) to consider another species of tang (or other fish) instead of the Powder Blue (Acanthurus leucosternon) on three counts...
1) Though you state that you are a heavy veggie feeder, which is very good, this species really only does well in reef type systems with lots of live rock and algae... not in fish only (FO) systems.
2) The Regal (Acanthurus lineatus) tang is already there and this is a very mean, territorial species. There would be WAR with the Powder Blue losing.
3) This species of surgeonfish just isn't all that hardy period. It rates my lowest ranking (a 3), well over 90% dying within three months of wild-collection... 
Look around for other species. Maybe take a look at my articles on Selection and this and other fish families on the www.wetwebmedia.com site
Bob Fenner

- Powder Blue Tang, Shoehorn Style -
Hi,
I currently have a regal tang about 2 inch, and am thinking of purchasing a powder blue tang. Will they fight or will they just mind their own business, as I would really like to keep one of these fishes. <Depends on the size of the tank.> My tank is 23 gallon, and has a 100 gallon protein skimmer, 55 gallon canister filter 6 pieces of live rock on the bottom, which takes up around 3 gallon, and the other 20 gallons is remaining for the fish. <This tank is much to small for the regal tang let alone a second one. I cannot recommend that you keep any more fish in this system.> Baring in mind I will have a new, and bigger set up for Christmas to move the tang(s) into. <I'd wait until you actually have the system set up and running for a couple of months before attempting a powder blue - these fish on average do quite poorly in anything but the largest systems. Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/badacanthurusaq.htm >
I do know that they may be aggressive towards each other, but I don't think this will be a problem, as I have seen many different species of tang in the same tank. <Well, that doesn't make it a smart or good long-term choice. I would not place a powder blue tang in a tank of this size - please don't put this fish in your tank at this point.> Please could you fill me in on these questions, I would very much appreciate it.
Regards Aaron.
<Cheers, J -- >