Yellow Tang Eating my ZOAS

[joeb558]

I had a nice rock full of 100+ eagle eyes and watched them slowly diminish. I wasn't sure what the problem was because everything else in the tank including other zoas look fine. Then I saw my yellow tang grazing on what I thought was algae on the rock but upon further inspection he was actually eating the zoas. He is fed daily and given nori as well. How can I stop this? Hoping he don't get a taste for palys as well. Has anyone else had this problem? Can it be stopped? Thanks.

 

[mnat]

I have heard of tangs doing this and it is always a possiblity. Once they have the taste for zoas, they will keep eating them. The best thing to do would be to catch it and swap it for another yellow tang. If you can find someone with a FOWLR, that is also a good bet.

 

[joeb558]

I have heard of tangs doing this and it is always a possiblity. Once they have the taste for zoas, they will keep eating them. The best thing to do would be to catch it and swap it for another yellow tang. If you can find someone with a FOWLR, that is also a good bet.

I was afraid of that kind of response. But sounds like good advice at this point. Not going to be an easy catch. If I can catch it would anyone be interested in a trade? Very unfortunate that I need to do this. He is a beautiful specimen. I have him about a year. Its Hawaiian around 3-4 inches.

 

[mnat]

Another member on here a few years ago had a blue tang turn on his zoas and started mowing through them. He had to catch it and get it out because the tang did not stop. The real question is what is more valuable to you, the tang or the zoas?

 

[joeb558]

Another member on here a few years ago had a blue tang turn on his zoas and started mowing through them. He had to catch it and get it out because the tang did not stop. The real question is what is more valuable to you, the tang or the zoas?

I strive for harmony I really don't see how I can keep the tang. He may start eating other zoas and palys. As much as I like having him I don't see how I can let him continue to eat the zoas.

 

[Edwardw771]

How often do you feed?

 

[joeb558]

I feed once a day and nori every day or two.

 

[jpkrze]

Wow. That's crazy! Never heard of a tang eating zoas. Guess I better keep an eye on my purple

 

[ZoaNut]

Luckily for you I know a guy who sells zoa frags cheap! LOL..... I had one in my frag tank do the same thing. Usually they're picking at the brown skin sloughing off the zoa mat, but eventually, they go a little too far. Trap him, trade him, best choice.

 

[joeb558]

Luckily for you I know a guy who sells zoa frags cheap! LOL..... I had one in my frag tank do the same thing. Usually they're picking at the brown skin sloughing off the zoa mat, but eventually, they go a little too far. Trap him, trade him, best choice.

If I ever get out your way I will stop by for sure. I really don,t want to loose the Tang. I actually see new growth on the rock that he was picking at. Lets see what the next few weeks bring.

 

[ClownAquatics]

Try overfeeding a bit as others have suggested it may help, if not what zoanut said about trading it is best option.

 

[Sunny]

Once they get the taste for them, I doubt they will stop. Trading is the best option.