Super Shy Fish, Yellow Tangs

[1234-fishy-freind]

Hi guys.
Im having some trouble with my 4 yellow tangs, in that they are just so shy!
They run, or should i say swim, and hide every time i go near the tank, then it takes them ages to want to venture back out again. Even when feeding, they are still shy, and as soon as one swims off scared, the others follow.

Does anyone have any info in how to help?

I also thought this would be a good chance to start a convo about other peoples experiences with any shy fish they have and what they did about it.
cheers

josh

 

[bollands]

when my grammas out i walk past the tank but dont touch it when he knows that distance is ok next time i walk a bit closer hopefully im training him that itllbe ok in the end

 

[VictorMeldrew]

how long have you had the tangs?

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Had the tangs since last july.

 

[VictorMeldrew]

wow was not expecting that answer, I have never come accross any shy yellow tangs before (other tangs,yes), I thought maybe yours were just settleing in, do not know what to suggest now

 

[ben1987]

my fish used to be really shy, then i realised it was because they could see their own reflections as something was causing like a mirror effect. They all used to stay donwn one side of the tank.

 

[VictorMeldrew]

I put towels over the sides of the tank for a few days to clear that, I think it was you that told me about that tip ben.

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Im always surprised by it too when I think about how long they have been in there.
They used to be braver when I had my velvet wrasse because nothing could scare him away, not even a tap on the glass, he was very brave.
Do you think it could possibly have something to do with the fact they are in a group? Maybe it is giving them instincts from what they would have in the wild where they naturally shoal, therfore, making them more alert and thinking threats are more likley?? (just a thought, )

josh

 

[ben1987]

I put towels over the sides of the tank for a few days to clear that, I think it was you that told me about that tip ben.

that rings a bell mate, probably was

Im always surprised by it too when I think about how long they have been in there.
They used to be braver when I had my velvet wrasse because nothing could scare him away, not even a tap on the glass, he was very brave.
Do you think it could possibly have something to do with the fact they are in a group? Maybe it is giving them instincts from what they would have in the wild where they naturally shoal, therfore, making them more alert and thinking threats are more likley?? (just a thought, )

josh

sounds reasonable. i kep a single yellow for a bit. he was hard as nails

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Hmm, maybe after I move the tank inside and I get some more fish in there which will hopefully have the same temperment as my old wrasse, they will get a bit braver.

or not... we'll see


josh

 

[MBOU]

My two yellow tangs have always been like that, they arent scared as such but keep out of my way and def hide if my camera is pointing at them! They are such a fast moving fish that they whizz about and hide peeking out to see what im about to do. They come out as soon as they think its food they are getting but if i just walk past the tank they will dart away, thats just skitty tang behaviour...

How big is your tank?

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

90 uk gal, 110 us gal

josh