should I buy a hippo ???now??

[Lynn]

I have now researched the tangs fairly well. I've decided that the regal is the one that I would really like and that would be compatible in my tank. I just have a couple questions
Is it the type of fish that swim all day long back and forth? or the type that kinda cruise around the reef picking etc.
There are some the size of a quarter at the LFS. They are eating nori sheets and look really good. Is this a good size to get one?
I won't have a problem adding other fish later? right? these are suppose to be peaceful.
thanks Lynn

 

[Henry1]

Regal are about the most peaceful among the tangs.
Can be kept in school of 5 or more when tank size permit. Their growth rate are moderate and feed readily on any food offered.

I got my current pair about 1 year ago as very young specimen, about half an inch and they are paper thin, looked very fragile.
I placed them straight into the main tank (120G) together with other larger fish with finger crossed. Interestingly, there wasn't any harassment from the purple tang and maroon clown.

They stayed close to the rocks near the top and do not venture very far off to feed. (Will be a good consideration for you to provide them a similar safe haven)

Currently, they are 3.5 and 2.5 inch respectively, feed like pig and still growing.

Cheers

 

[Lynn]

thanks, will they do better if I buy two? or will it be just fine to have one.

 

[JohnD]

Lynn,

I have only one. He was maybe 2 inches in length when I got him. That was 11 years ago. He is more like 5 inches.

He curls up in the rocks come bedtime/lights out. Besides nori, it is Formula 1 and 2, Angel Formula, almost anything frozen from Ocean Nutrition. Occassionally, he gets blanched broccoli.

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

If they are that small, you may want to start it in a small q-tank with limited current. Believe it or not, when they are that small powerhead can suck them to the intake and kill them. Not remembering your tank size, that would be my biggest concern. They are one of the more docile tangs, and are also kind of odd in that they are carniverous, they o like the meat. They still need algae, though. It has been 5-6 years since I had one, but I seem to remember it cruising most of the time, and stopping once in a while to pick. They have an interesting behavior in that they will lay down now and then and look dead. They also cram themselves into nooks and crnnies. Beautiful fish! Remember, they can get to a foot long. Good luck!

 

[pghflame]

I got my hippo when he was the size of a dime....he is still hanging around 2 years later. He is very shy, very hardy and has survived 3 moves so far.

 

[Anonymous]

Two of anything fish wise is typically risky, unless they are a mated pair. If they aren't mated there is bound to be a fight, often to the death, always to the detriment. I don't think hepatus pairs so the answer would be don't get 2.