Agression

[baudi]

g'day all,

i have a 6ft tank of livestock and some corals. Among the livestock are a large Naso-Tang and large unicorn fish (H Naso Unicoris, as seen @ Sentosa), a mid size Yellow Tang, Purple tang, Sailfin Tang, a mid size Seargeant Major fish, a Blue Velvet Damsel, a skittish Bird Wrasse and various other assorted and smaller fishes not relevant to our discussion here right now. Until the introduction of the 2 big guys, the S Major and the BV Damsel were the kings of the tank agressively deciding between them who did and didnt survive introduction.

As was the case when i introduced both the yellow and then some months later the purple tang the fish really suffered and were hassled in the first 24 hours after introduction to the tank. Chased, nipped, they really come out looking very battered after that first day/night. But then they survive and recover. Again the Damsel and the seargent major are the culprits.

This weekend I purchased a very nice Kole Tang from out at CR (Kranji), letting it sit in the bag, feeding the tank fish prior, then dimming the lights before i introduced the fish. Within moments he was being set upon, again from the usual suspects and also this time from the Purple Tang. In fact the purple tang was probably the most agressive. Size wise, the Kole is larger than the purple or yellow tang. Next morning the Kole was in less than good condition but surviving. By the end of the next day he was showing signs of recovery and feeding, but staying well apart from the other fish. I have plenty of rock for them to take refuge in.

This is almost the same circumstances I have gone through when adding any medium sized lifestock. Can any of you add any comments or thoughts on how I can make it less stressful for the new dish (way to stressful for the Harlequin Taskfish for example - it died). Usually after 24 hours of battery the fish gets left alone, survives and then goes on to thrive in the tank.

Tough initiation or am i doing something wrong ? All hints and tips appreciated. Pic of Naso attached. great fish

baudi

[MbmC]

Have had more success in recent times when I keep the fish in a betta box for >24hours before releasing it into the tank. I usually feed into the betta box and around it at the same time. When I release, I only release after lights out, when most of the fish are inactive. At the same time I put a mirror into the tank.

You'll find that tank inhabitants tend to square off with the new fellow across the betta box for the 1st day or 2, and then subsequently ignore it. That's when i release the fellow into the tank.

Assuming proper acclimatisation prior to betta box, of course.

[MbmC]

PS. Nice fish Hope it survives.

[baudi]

Have had more success in recent times when I keep the fish in a betta box for >24hours before releasing it into the tank. I usually feed into the betta box and around it at the same time. When I release, I only release after lights out, when most of the fish are inactive. At the same time I put a mirror into the tank.

You'll find that tank inhabitants tend to square off with the new fellow across the betta box for the 1st day or 2, and then subsequently ignore it. That's when i release the fellow into the tank.

Assuming proper acclimatisation prior to betta box, of course.

thanks... and great idea about the betta box !