do tangs pair up?

[fungia]

i know they fight but do they pair up in the wild and can they pair up in aquariums? i am thinking about re-doing my tank with only pairs of fish but i like tangs and dont know if they pair up.

 

[Anonymous]

In the wild technically no as they are promiscuous spawners, they may pair up short term during spawning season in a small group but males are usually never monogamus though many females will only spawn with the same male during that season.
Some species of Surgeonfish are capable of surviving in small groups in our reef tanks.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

Although I have seen tangs swimming in twos on the natural reef, I do not know if they are a mated pair or a "school of two".

I have never known anyone who succeded in keeping a pair of tangs long term, and would thus not recommend trying it.

 

[fungia]

thanks. so would two of the same species in the same tank be asking for trouble?

 

[Anonymous]

thanks. so would two of the same species in the same tank be asking for trouble?

What species and what size tank are you asking about?

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[fungia]

its a 100g, i was thinking about 2 purple tangs

 

[Fragguy]

I have had compatible pairs(2) of yellows and currently have a spawing pair of purples in my large reef tank. The purples have been in my system for over 5 years now. They spawn very regularly and I have confirmed the release of eggs.

Click on the Purple Tangs link under Movies of Spawning Fish.
http://www.thecoralnursery.com/loveinreef.htm

Rafael