Compatability

[Snoop Dog]

I have a 3.5 inch purple tang in my tank and I realley want to get a Bluetang (Hipo), 1 - 1.5 inch.

Would they get along, or am I just setting the seen for the Ick factory to make an entrance?

[Aquattro]

Genrally purple tangs are aggresive and should be added last. If the blue is big enough, it might do OK, but it might get kicked.

[sumpfinfishe]

I agree with Brad that purple tang has most likely claimed alot of territory, so adding a smaller tang to your tank may bring on some battles.

[bulletsworld]

I think it really depends on the temperament of your tang. You would know best how your purple responds to other fish added. My yellow tang is the bully usually for all fish that first enter the tank. She lets them know she is the boss then will leave them alone.

I agree though that a bigger Hippo than your purple tang would be better.

[StirCrazy]

[quote="bulletsworld"]I think it really depends on the temperament of your tang. You would know best how your purple responds to other fish added. [quote]

I think we should be striving to supply the more likely information and not the exception.

Steve

[bulletsworld]

Hey how about adding your 2 cents, Stircrazy


BTW, everything above is my own experiance only and used at your own risk.

[AJ_77]

Take it easy, dude. How about if Bob Fenner gives his 2 cents? Is an expert better for you?

quoted without permission:

Inter- and Intra-specific Aggression:

Purple Tangs are almost always fine tankmates as juveniles (under 3 inches in length). Often, growing up in under-crowded circumstances with other fishes, they grow to be the same as larger adults. As is often stated as a rule of thumb, this Surgeonfish is better not stocked with similar-appearing fishes, especially other acanthurids that occupy a similar niche. Those in the genus Zebrasoma especially. Under crowding is always the safest bet, followed by introduction of smaller individuals first; and more aggressive species like Purple Tangs as the last fishes to be placed. But there is no sure-bet with stocking this species. Careful observation is a hallmark of a successful aquarist.

(from wetwebmedia.com)
So in general terms you might be asking for trouble with this pairing, but yeah, you should really know your own fish too... I think the meat of the message here is " don't push your luck - be responsible."

[Quinn]

Ah Fenner, the king of "take it with a grain of salt". I do enjoy his site and his humour (or lack thereof) but I personally don't trust his judgements on fish - back when I was researching livestock for my tank, he told me to go ahead and put three marine catfish (Plotosus lineatus) in my reef. Suuuure Bob, they'll be great after they grow to a foot long and eat everything else I own.

As for the tangs, I think with two in a 90 gal, well, space would become a concern at some point in time. You'd want to ensure they have lots of room to swim, as I suspect this is a major factor in how well tangs (and any other fish) do together. Purely anecdotal evidence (there's my disclaimer), but I'll cite Steve and his clownfishes, and this month's AAOM tank of the month, which contains at least five species of tangs from the genus Zebrasoma.

[AJ_77]

Hey how about adding your two cents, teevee.

- - - >

(guess I should have said "expurt" but heck, we all take 'em with a grain or two...)

Stir's as good an expert as anybody...

[Quinn]

Ah come on Alan, you should have known I wouldn't let a thread like this pass without adding at least three cents! But I did include a lot of disclaimers, and said "I think" and "personally". But what's with the "expurt" thing, I missed it?