Short Bus Dory
WWM :
I have a juvenile Regal Tang that has a very bad habit of occasionally hiding in my 100 gal reef and then getting stuck. I'm positive that she was not just playing hide and seek the last time because she was under a very small crevice for 24 hours and missed feedings...and as soon as I dug her out, she fled to the feeding side of the tank.
Now, she's done it again except I can't find her. Is it possible that she's just growing so fast that she doesn't know which cracks and crevices she can squeeze into, and then more importantly, out of again?<the fish should be able to wedge itself out when it feels the need to do so.>
Or do I have a 'special' Dory that was dropped on her head as a fry once-too-often?<umm.. well I can only assume that the fish will come around and not be as reclusive. I would keep a close eye on he/she. but I do believe its very difficult for a fish to get stuck within a reef-setting. normally they just "appear" to be stuck but in actuality they find ways out quite easily...its harder trying to get them  out manually lol, Good
luck with this interesting regal tang, IanB>
Thanks,
SLC

Surgeonfish ID
Hi Guys (and girls !!)
A friend has acquired a member of the tang/surgeon family but we are struggling to ID.
It is yellow with a black bar running behind its gill and a white face. Is this likely to be a mimic tang (such as chocolate tang--pyroferus ??)
I have searched on fishbase.org and here for photo Id and this is the closet I get too.
Any other thoughts very much appreciated. My friend seems to think he has something very rare ??
<Please peruse WWM starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangs,.htm
and through the genera linked (in blue, at top). We have pix, descriptions of nearly all species of acanthurids used in the ornamental aquatics trade. Bob Fenner>
Regards
Steve Tope

Clown Tang
Bob,
I have a 9in. African Clown Tang. I've had him for 9 months now. He's been doing great. He housed in a 100 gal. tank. Eats very well since day one. But I started to notice that his tail spines are sticking out at a 50 degree angle, both of them. Other than that he is fine. Why is his tail spines
stuck out. Its been like this for 2 days now. His color, is great, and he eats
well too. Another thing that I notice is that he is pacing more now. What is
your input? Thank You. Linstun
<Good observation... might be this animal is "on guard", or rather "en garde"! demonstrating that it's challenging something or someone... likely either its reflection or maybe another fish... possibly you. I have seen situations where these Surgeonfishes did permanently elevate their "tangs" in captivity though for no apparent reason. Maybe try covering the sides, back with dark material and see if the agonistic displays diminish. Bob Fenner>

Re: Clown Tang
Bob,
That's exactly right. I couldn't find the "phrase". He looks like he is on guard. He's pacing back and fourth, and punking up the other fish if there in his way.. He's also flared up, with his fins. Looks like he's showing off or
something. At first I thought he, or she was in heat.. If you know what I mean. Thanks.
<Well put... this species, Acanthurus lineatus... does often develop a real "attitude" with growth, age... I urge your caution when placing your hands, arms in the tank... and especially if netting this specimen. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/badacanthurusaq.htm
and the attached (linked above) FAQs. Bob Fenner>

Fish Compatibility
<<Jason C here, letting Bob prepare his turkey>>
Bob, I have a 125 gallon reef tank with a Sail Fin Tang, a Coral Beauty Angel, a Foxface, and a Six Line Wrasse. I wanted to get something else but am not quite sure what I can safely add without disrupting the peaceful balance in my tank. 
<<have been there myself, and have made the wrong decision before>>
 I was considering getting a large angel because I read somewhere that they usually get along ok with a dwarf angel. 
<<this is true a good part of the time>> 
I'm not sure what would be a good choice here as far as hardiness and something that would leave my corals alone. I only have a few leather corals, two colt corals, various mushrooms and polyps. The angel would be the main attraction in my tank. 
<<large angels often are the feature, even if it wasn't intended>>
 If a large angel is not a good idea I was considering buying another tang. I have read that tangs don't get along too well but every time I go to a local fish store they have a couple of different types of tangs in the same aquarium. (their display tank) They all seem to be getting along fine.
Are there certain tangs that get along better with each other than others? Like I said earlier, I have a sail fin tang. (not from the red sea) Is there a tang that would be a good choice for getting along with it? I know there is no positive answer but would appreciate any advice you may have as far as what I can add to my aquarium to make it more interesting. Thanks for you help.
<<lots to consider... you do run the risk of upsetting the balance of your tank, even though it isn't crowded - this happens sometimes. Your tank is of a large enough size that any initial placement problems would most likely work themselves out, but there are no guarantees of course. As for a good choice for a large angel, do check out the following link on WWM: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bestmarangs.htm - there is a smattering of angels on this page, and I'm sure you'll find at least one you will like. As for the angel leaving your corals alone, do your research as some are more likely to pick than others. Even fish that are prone to coral-nipping may not choose to do so if they have enough other things to do and eat. As for the tang, I think pairing different species of these is more of a crap shoot, and this would certainly apply if, say you were wishing to place a second large angel. If you want to keep your tank peaceful, don't experiment with same-family, different species fish - there's just no guarantee how it will turn out. I would wager that your sailfin won't put up with another tang. For further tang research, check out this link: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/besttgsreefs.htm>>
Gianluca
<<Cheers, J -->>

yellow tang too big?
Bob,
I've been pondering the stocking of my 55 gallon reef and slowly stocking it over the past year. It's looking good now with lots of soft corals expanding and even splitting. The next addition, and last of five fish planned to go in the tank, was supposed to be a yellow tang. I have lots of Caulerpa growing almost out of control. It's time to add a grazer. So I went to my LFS last night and they persuaded me against a Yellow Tang, saying it gets too big for most reef systems.
<Mmm, depends on the size of the system, the Yellow Tang... A "mature" wild specimen might well be too big... but I would/do place Zebrasoma in 55 gallon systems...>
They said I ought to try an Atlantic Blue Tang. 
<Would not be, is not my choice.>
But in your Aquarist's Guide to Saltwater Species (not exact title, I know - I'm writing this from work...book's at home) you list the Atlantic Blue as a species that reaches 15". That's too big for my situation.
However, I routinely do a particular wreck dive here (Loran numbers top secret so it doesn't get over-dived! [don't I wish])
<Mmm, well-stated>
where I generally see a fairly large number of 6-10 inch and bigger Atlantic Blue Tangs. In other words, I could collect my own and have the pick of the litter if my hand and net are fast enough. I read in CMA that you are a great proponent of Yellow Tang's suitability in most systems, though, and I've been planning patiently and carefully for a year. What do you think?
<A tough call... on the one hand the Zebrasoma is/are better choices for most such systems... on the other... Do you mainly have a tropical West Atlantic biotopic presentation? If so, I am persuaded that an Acanthurus coeruleus is appropriate (though a small one 3-5 inches maximum is the largest I would collect/try)... Otherwise, if you have mainly non-TWA organisms, I would go with a Yellow Tang (if this is the "other" choice only)>
Other fish now in the tank are Clarkii Clowns and a Pink-spotted Shrimp Goby. Thanks for the help. -Dan in Florida
<Bob Fenner>