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Old 02-08-2018, 04:32 AM
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Default Hippo tang

I know this question has been flogged a few times, but thought I'd get some thoughts on this. I like small "personality" fish, and haven't really wanted any tangs except to admire from afar. The only one I like is good ole Dory, the hippo tang. The size is somewhat daunting though. My tank isn't that big (110 gal) but it's 72" long. My next biggest fish will be the 2 puffers, which are smallish now but have the potential to reach 6" apparently. Everything else is small (9 total right now).

From what I've read, they either go from 1" to a foot in the blink of an eye, or they don't. I don't want to keep my fish happy. Should I just forget it?
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Old 02-08-2018, 01:27 PM
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If you want a fish with personality, don't buy a Hippo Tang. Despite what Disney portrays, Hippo Tangs hide a lot (for a tang), and they are usually quite aggressive compared to many other tangs. I have an aquarium service company, and many clients have bought Hippo Tangs - most of them get to 5-6" within 18 months, then grow slowly after that. One client has one that's only 2.5", and it's been that size since I've been cleaning the tank (3 years).
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Old 02-08-2018, 03:51 PM
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My hippo tang is out and about all day long until night time. If scared the Hippo will hide within the rock work. I may have lucked out as my hippo is not aggressive and has been in he tank since the beginning (around 6+ inches). The only thing is she will fly around at the top of the tank and will occasionally splash.
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Old 02-08-2018, 05:34 PM
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Same as Myka, I've had hippos go both ways, instant 6" or perma 3".

They also have zero interesting behavioral traits. They're either out eating or smooshed up into the rocks. There's little to no exploring or curiosity like you'd expect from other fish with "personality".

(Probably in the 200+ range for hippos I've been in longterm care of over the years -- Service company, pet stores, etc)

That said, they're still a stunning fish. If you want a blue fish, you'd be hard pressed to find one with more oomph than a hippo. And your tank size should be fine. Let's get real here, you're not trying to replicate the ocean. You're putting fish in a glass box. Just accept the morality of it and enjoy your fish tank (it's not like they're self aware :P)
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Old 02-08-2018, 05:40 PM
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Thanks guys - great info.
In this case, I’m more interested in the hippo for its looks, haha. (Although I will enjoy her meandering in circles singing “just keep swimming.”)

Looking at my tank now, I feel it would be nice to have a more showy somewhat larger fish than the current crew. It’s a peaceful tank as the puffers don’t live up to their reputation at all.

If I start with a small one, I wonder if that would shape its personality to be more passive.

I was also considering a copperband but worry about it competing with the mandarin & eating all my featherdusters.

**And Albert, my puffers take exception to your remark. They are smarter than your average bear.
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Old 02-09-2018, 01:52 AM
albert_dao albert_dao is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dash View Post

**And Albert, my puffers take exception to your remark. They are smarter than your average bear.
Hey! I have no digs on puffers! They definitely have personality

It's the hippos and their sardine-like behavior I was knocking.
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Old 02-09-2018, 03:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by albert_dao View Post
It's the hippos and their sardine-like behavior I was knocking.
Hahaha!

If you want a blue fish with more personality than a Hippo, get a pair of Yellowtail or Starcki Damsels. Neither are very aggressive (many similar species ARE!), and they at least are curious. Plus they'll breed in your tank and set up their own little territory. Much more entertaining than a Hippo Tang.
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Old 02-15-2018, 07:53 PM
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i got the 1" Hypo and it got ich right away. after quarantine for a month it went in the main tank and got ich. this happened 3 times. after that, it was fine for months. it did grow quick. in the end though i lost interest. it was quickly becoming my biggest fish and i never saw it. it would hide 99% of the time and definitely if it saw me coming. i decided to give it up one day, but when i went to catch it, it was already gone! i tore the tank apart and removed all the rocks. i think it must have jumped out when nobody was home and the dogs found a tasty treat flopping around the floor.
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Old 02-15-2018, 11:26 PM
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My fish are the opposite. They race out as soon as they catch sight of me - I’m the food god (Except tail spot blenny & mandarin, who live in their own universe). I feed them after my own dinner but they swarm around the feeding zone from 5:00ish onward.
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Old 02-16-2018, 09:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe pooh View Post
i got the 1" Hypo and it got ich right away. after quarantine for a month it went in the main tank and got ich. this happened 3 times. after that, it was fine for months. it did grow quick. in the end though i lost interest. it was quickly becoming my biggest fish and i never saw it. it would hide 99% of the time and definitely if it saw me coming. i decided to give it up one day, but when i went to catch it, it was already gone! i tore the tank apart and removed all the rocks. i think it must have jumped out when nobody was home and the dogs found a tasty treat flopping around the floor.
Interesting as my hippo is out and about all day. She will spook occasionally and hide but then return to swimming. She also likes to splash occasionally!
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