Ethical kole tang dilemma

Doug · #1 08-28-2010, 08:26 PM

Story goes like this. I purchased a baby Kole about 8 yrs. ago. He lived in my 225 and then 180 cube. When I moved and down sized he went to live in Mikes 150g {or his 120g }before that. Recently he started to bother some of his acans so we had to remove him.

He resided temporary in my 35g cube, {28 by 16}. Not the best size for him by any means but seemed at home their with my 8yr. old percs. So being the old softy I am, bought him a 50g long, best I can do for my little room. Moved most of the stuff over but unfortunately I have a strong dislike for the tank.

Making some changes on the cube while its clean and my stock is going back in. So of course what to do with Mr. Kole. He has been with either myself or Mike since he was a baby.

Does one put him back in the cube and get called a number of names, even though the tang is only between 4 to 5 in. in length. Likely not. So what does one do. You cant take him to a store and the little guy ends up who knows where. Plus this is not exactly the reefing capital of this area and even if their were lots of homes why would one think he would be better off with who knows what that in a smaller tank but with an advanced aquarist that treats his pets, {all of them}, like family.

Basically screwed either way.

I already know what I,m doing , but just figured it was a good discussion thread.

Doug · #2 08-28-2010, 08:50 PM

And just so you know my views. I have been an advocate for larger tanks for tangs and way back on another board, somewhat to much me thinks. However since then my opinion has mellowed somewhat and watching many different fish in a great variety of tanks.

My thought on this one, is that the fish would have a much better and long life with myself, than going somewhere else, unless its a perfect fit for him.

Here is a point also. I have seen many fish given to what was thought to be a better home by aquarists like myself for what ever reason only to meet their demise.

Borderjumper · #3 08-28-2010, 09:14 PM

I say keep him. You said he seemed happy in the cube, you would know if he's unhappy.

Wingin It · #4 08-28-2010, 09:36 PM

keep him and make him happy

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #5 08-28-2010, 11:26 PM

Keep him & let him live out his life with his buddy, Doug

StirCrazy · #6 08-28-2010, 11:36 PM

bah, he is small, I wouldn't sweat it. keep him and enjoy him.

Steve

christyf5 · #7 08-29-2010, 12:34 AM

Definitely keep him. Before long either you or Mike will have yet another (larger) tank anyways

SmallFry · #8 08-29-2010, 02:25 AM

I'm no expert - I've only been in this hobby a bit under 2 years (no casualties so far probably thanks to invincible fish). This is my 2 cents worth..

Logic would say that if you've known him for 8 years you'd know what his normal behaviour is and you'd be well aware if he was stressed.

As it is, you say he seemed happy enough in the 34, so he probably is... I'd keep him and save him the stress of having to get used to a new tank owner and housemates.

I know it's against the 'rules' to have him in that size tank, and in no way would I suggest going out and getting one for a tank of that size, but you've not been irresponsible, and you've ended up in the situation anyway. You just have to make the best call you can.

As the saying goes: "Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men."

I'm still trying to work out which heading I come under..

Doug · #9 08-29-2010, 02:46 AM

Thanks for the post all. Those are pretty well my views also, at least in this particular situation and not as a general belief.

He will be the sole grazer and as I,m redoing it, will try to make his swimming as best I can with an open area and a clear path behind. He seems to be more of small angel type swimmer. In and out of the rock grazing everywhere.

I can say for sure as my clowns will tell you, he will be spoiled.

Doug · #10 08-29-2010, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmallFry

I'm no expert - I've only been in this hobby a bit under 2 years (no casualties so far probably thanks to invincible fish). This is my 2 cents worth..

Logic would say that if you've known him for 8 years you'd know what his normal behaviour is and you'd be well aware if he was stressed.

As it is, you say he seemed happy enough in the 34, so he probably is... I'd keep him and save him the stress of having to get used to a new tank owner and housemates.

I know it's against the 'rules' to have him in that size tank, and in no way would I suggest going out and getting one for a tank of that size, but you've not been irresponsible, and you've ended up in the situation anyway. You just have to make the best call you can

As the saying goes: "Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men."

I'm still trying to work out which heading I come under..

Great post.