Blue Tang (1 Viewer)

[Carlos]

I just got a blue tang friday, and he seems to hide in the rocks, but he sits there on his side, is this normal? thanks

 

[cliner]

Yep, mine does it when scared or goes to bed. He will do it less as he gets use to the new surroundings, but will probably sleep in the rocks, kinda normal for hippos if that's what you have. Make sure it gets lots of green/red/purple veggies, as with almost any tang, it helps keep them healthy.

 

[Carlos]

I think it's dying, it stays in the same place, and looks like its panting all the time.. lying on its side... can anyone help??

 

[cliner]

Mine also appears to pant at times, and hides in the rocks if scared or harassed at all. Does it eat? Are there other tangs that could bully it? How big is your system?

 

[Carlos]

i have 2 saddle clowns, and a lawnmower blenny... doesn't seem to eat just lay on his side in the bottom of the tank... 34g

 

[Carlos]

he has died.. does anyone have experience buying fish from the store? how do we know if they are good.. not sick? etc.. I went back to the store, and they gave me a credit, but in their blue tang tank, there was another dead tang...

 

[cliner]

Sorry to hear that. Best to look for specimens that are active, have no visual dots. spots, holes, or any sign of infection or disease. It's also nice to see them eat at the lfs before your purchase, but it doesn't guarantee their survival. Blue tangs can be very sensitive and ich prone. You might try to find one from a fellow aquarist that is already accustomed to captive life. Did you happen to buy it from aquarium world? They in general, are not very good at keeping healthy specimens IMO. Use the credit for dry goods and buy your fish from better locations.

 

[FishGameRock]

fyi I wouldn't get a blue tang for a tank that size anyway. That wouldn't have really been a factor in its death but long term care wouldn't really be possible for a fish as finicky as a blue tang. I would avoid all tangs for that matter.

 

[Carlos]

what do you mean long term care?

 

[cliner]

You do plan to keep fish alive for more than a few months, don't you? We should accept that most fish we keep in this hobby should thrive for years with proper care and husbandry.

 

[FishGameRock]

Longer than 6 months. They grow really fast and are more sensitive than your average fish.