Mirror trick when adding new fish - assuming you don't drop it

[Chin_Lee]

Originally Posted by Snappy

That is a cool idea, thanks for sharing.

I can't take credit for this idea - i read it elsewhere and used it. Unfortunately I do not know the orginator of this idea

Originally Posted by i have crabs

what are the chances of 2 yellow tangs getting added? i tried yesterday and now 1 is in the qt but i cant see the mirror working if the other fish looks the same after the mirror is gone

The mirror idea might work from a different perspective. Put a mirror in front of the aggressor for a few days before adding the new tang. This will tire out the aggressor and he will be led to believe that the new addition is "as aggressive and as relentless" as himself. He may eventually give in to "the other tang" with equal status but if not, at least he will be very tired. Then hopefully when you add the new tang, the aggressor will think the new tang is the one in the mirror but keep the mirror on the tank just in case. If the new addition submits to the aggressor, the aggressor may be satisfied with his dominant status but may still try to gain dominant status with his mirror image diverting his aggression away from the new addition.
Place the mirror on the upper part of the tank away from the rocks and the idea is the new additions will stay lower in the tank where the rocks are located for protection. The original habitants will be more likely to come out of the rocks and into the open (upper part) of the tank to see the mirror. Good luck