yllw tail tang (hippo)

[seaapple]

I've had this tang for about 2-3 wks. He barely eats, maybe one or two nibbles. He watches the food go by him and sometimes follows it but thats it. He is very thin yet he swims around the tank. Should I worry that he will eventually die? What else can I do? Also, he barely nibbles on paper thin algae. Any suggestions?

Thanx, Oscar...
[email protected] :?: :shock: :cry

 

[wrightme43]

yes if he doesnt eat he will die. Have you tried live brine? live algae? if you can get him to eat anything, it is usually a good start. Lots of fish seem to learn by example from other fish eating in the aquarium. I have decided to quit buying pacific blue tangs. It is my understanding that they are being over harvested and the mortality is very very high. I am not saying anyone else should this is just for me. I see them come into the fish store and they are bought by new hobbiests the day they come in. Most are back saying they died very very soon. Its not the fish stores fault, it doesnt seem to be the persons fault. Its a combination of collection, shipping, holding, transport, and stress in the home aquarium. I am sorry about my rant. LOL I just havent seen them be a hardy fish to begin with, and the quality of stock we are getting now seems even more stressed than just a couple of years ago. Steve

 

[gobie]

I understand your rant about the Pacific blue tang. At the same time if responsable lfs knew about the mortality rate maybe they would quit ordering them if the demand went down for those hard to keep fish than they just might not be ordered from the importers. It might make a good thread or questionair on this and other sites.Then the results could be forwarded to the right persons. Eh it's just a thought.

 

[Terry B]

If fish are badly stressed it can affect their eating behaviors and appetite.
What are you feeding the fish? What are the other fish in the tank? How large is the aquarium? Do you notice anything that would stress the fish? What are all of your water parameters?

Terry B