Atlantic blue tang turned yellow

[BattleReefer]

I picked up an Atlantic blue tang that already had its adult coloration in my previous 45G tank, transferred it to my new tank within a few months. About 2 months after being in my new tank (display around 150G) it reverted back to its yellowish juvenile colors. It eats extremely well and shows zero signs of stress, basically runs the tank. Only fish that’s bigger is the Naso which doesn’t bother anyone. It’s been in this form for about 4 months. Water parameters are fine, it’s a SPS dominant reef. Anyone experience anything like this? While diving in the Virgin Islands I did see some of these with similar coloration, but most exhibited the dark blue we generally see.

Anyone experience anything like this? Like I said, fish is perfectly healthy, as well as the rest of the tank so I’m not looking for drastic measures. It’s just strange and curious if it’s something the tank might be contributing to. Picture below shows the tang. It’s probably 4-5” long currently.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I picked up an Atlantic blue tang that already had its adult coloration in my previous 45G tank, transferred it to my new tank within a few months. About 2 months after being in my new tank (display around 150G) it reverted back to its yellowish juvenile colors. It eats extremely well and shows zero signs of stress, basically runs the tank. Only fish that’s bigger is the Naso which doesn’t bother anyone. It’s been in this form for about 4 months. Water parameters are fine, it’s a SPS dominant reef. Anyone experience anything like this? While diving in the Virgin Islands I did see some of these with similar coloration, but most exhibited the dark blue we generally see.

Anyone experience anything like this? Like I said, fish is perfectly healthy, as well as the rest of the tank so I’m not looking for drastic measures. It’s just strange and curious if it’s something the tank might be contributing to. Picture below shows the tang. It’s probably 4-5” long currently.

Cool! I’ve had Atlantic blue tangs fade to a light blue/yellow, but never turn full yellow like that!
Jay

 

[Bj’s Reef]

No idea, however I’m following to see what others say.

 

[nbooks]

im in to follow as well...i literally picked up a juvenile not much bigger than a quarter over the weekend.

 

[rochellecan]

Anyone got an answer for this cause mine turned yellow as well and it’s way past juvenile stage

 

[chondro]

Still no answer? I know they're not common anymore and when they were they weren't very popular my guess is because they weren't as exotic as other species. Mine just recently did this as well and I am most definitely perplexed. I have read some articles one in particular stating that these fish will change color to a more yellow color if stressed or to adapt to its environment. That's got me curious as I've got two yellow tangs. Would that cause it to change? Very interesting.

 

[Daniel Doherty]

I picked up an Atlantic blue tang that already had its adult coloration in my previous 45G tank, transferred it to my new tank within a few months. About 2 months after being in my new tank (display around 150G) it reverted back to its yellowish juvenile colors. It eats extremely well and shows zero signs of stress, basically runs the tank. Only fish that’s bigger is the Naso which doesn’t bother anyone. It’s been in this form for about 4 months. Water parameters are fine, it’s a SPS dominant reef. Anyone experience anything like this? While diving in the Virgin Islands I did see some of these with similar coloration, but most exhibited the dark blue we generally see.

Anyone experience anything like this? Like I said, fish is perfectly healthy, as well as the rest of the tank so I’m not looking for drastic measures. It’s just strange and curious if it’s something the tank might be contributing to. Picture below shows the tang. It’s probably 4-5” long currently.

Just after discovering these fish and doing some research. Do you find them aggressive? How would one go I. A 4ft by 20 inches by 30 inches tall 125 gallon tank?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Just after discovering these fish and doing some research. Do you find them aggressive? How would one go I. A 4ft by 20 inches by 30 inches tall 125 gallon tank?

This species is not as aggressive as some other tangs (Zebrasoma for example) but are more territorial than Naso tang species. As juveniles, they maybe more aggressive to similar tangs though - like other blue tangs (a bit odd though, as in the wild, adult blue tangs will school nicely).

In terms of needed tank size, this article may help you decide if your tank is large enough:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/estimating-the-need-for-swimming-space-for-aquarium-fishes.801/

 

[littlefoxx]

Just after discovering these fish and doing some research. Do you find them aggressive? How would one go I. A 4ft by 20 inches by 30 inches tall 125 gallon tank?

They get HUGE..

 

[exnisstech]

Just after discovering these fish and doing some research. Do you find them aggressive? How would one go I. A 4ft by 20 inches by 30 inches tall 125 gallon tank?

They have one at a LFS that is huge and living in a trough maybe 4' wide and 20+ ft long. Its definitely not a fish for the home aquarium IMO after seeing this one. Its a cool fish for sure and will turn sideways to look at me when I'm watching. I have no idea how old it is.

 

[littlefoxx]

They have one at a LFS that is huge and living in a trough maybe 4' wide and 20+ ft long. Its definitely not a fish for the home aquarium IMO after seeing this one. Its a cool fish for sure and will turn sideways to look at me when I'm watching. I have no idea how old it is.

You should get a picture of it! I love these guys. Considering one for my 300, but that might change my mind

 

[exnisstech]

You should get a picture of it! I love these guys. Considering one for my 300, but that might change my mind

I'll try to get one the next time I'm up and tag you. They have a giant Angel in there also but I'm not sure what type. There is a greenhouse attached to the front of the store that has 4 big troughs that have been running well over 10 years. They're full of all kinds of cool stuff. There's also are a bunch of bengai cardinals spawning on a regular basis in one.

 

[littlefoxx]

Two bristletooths in that tank would be thunderdome!!! Every bristletooth tang Ive had has been aggressive. Would go with the yellow in this case to have very different body shapes.

 

[Daniel Doherty]

Just after discovering these fish and doing some research. Do you find them aggressive? How would one go I. A 4ft by 20 inches by 30 inches tall 125 gallon tank?

They have one at a LFS that is huge and living in a trough maybe 4' wide and 20+ ft long. Its definitely not a fish for the home aquarium IMO after seeing this one. Its a cool fish for sure and will turn sideways to look at me when I'm watching. I have no idea how old it is.

Thanks for this reply - that must be really cool. I’m envious of your LFS… are there many in your area? There’s only like three in Ireland and they’re all three and a half hours away from me

 

[exnisstech]

Thanks for this reply - that must be really cool. I’m envious of your LFS… are there many in your area? There’s only like three in Ireland and they’re all three and a half hours away from me

I have 3 all less than an hour away.