Tang-like fish?

[Swimzebras]

I have a 45 gallon tank so am therefore unable to house a tang. But I absolutely love these fish, especially the ones shaped like the yellow tang. I also love their smooth color and tiny scales. Are there any more suitable fish for a 45 gallon tank that are similar and share some of these characteristics? Please, any ideas would be greatly appreciated as I really do love these fish!
Thanks in advance

 

[Purevil21]

I know of one fish that somewhat looks like a yellow tang. It is a yellow dwarf angel fish.
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Yellow Angelfish

There are tons of dwarf angel fish that are unique. Here is a page that lists several.

Dwarf Angelfish: Flame Angelfish and other Dwarf Angels

You also may like these fish that would be suitable for your tank.
Midas Blenny
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Midas Blenny

The flame hawks are pretty cool.
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Flame Hawkfish

 

[Purevil21]

Oh, also important did you need reef safe? The dwarf angels can nip at corals...

 

[Swimzebras]

It'd be good but not necessary. I like dwarf angels but it's the shape and tiny scales that I really like on tangs....I don't know, I just really wish I could have one but since I can't I need to realize that I won't find a perfect substitute.....

 

[Swimzebras]

Is there any chance whatsoever that there is a single type of tang that I could keep if i set up the tank properly and keep it understocked?

 

[carey]

The smallest tank requirement tang Ibelieve is the yellow eye Kole tang. They can go in a 75 but a 125 is better.

Trust me, I sooo feel your pain. I started a sw tank so i could get a yellow tang. The 29g i started with was too small of course, then I went to a 55g, and also too small. LOL I am in the middle of a 125g build right now and will get my tangs finally.

 

[David S]

may be able to get away with a yellow eye kole tang.I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong though

 

[Swimzebras]

I'm planning on an upgrade in around a year and a half....if I got a really small one corks I get away with it till then?

 

[carey]

I'm planning on an upgrade in around a year and a half....if I got a really small one corks I get away with it till then?

It would be better to wait for the new tank. A tang might not last a month let alone a year in your tank. They get stressed really easy and need the swim room to thrive. Im sorry to be the bringer of bad news. I had the same bad news delivered to me once upon a time.

Have u looked at the lemon peel angel? Almost looks like a tang.

 

[Swimzebras]

Yea....I suppose, but it doesn't have the smooth high fin and snout....oh well 

 

[Purevil21]

A lemon peel is similar, but a yellow dwarf angel really looks a lot like a yellow tang. Check out the link I posted above Carey. He could keep one easily.

 

[carey]

LOL. that may be, but I sense some tang fever in the op. I have the same disorder, I love them too much not to have one and nothing will do in it's place. It sucks and all but in the end when you upgrade you'll appreciate it. Trust me.

 

[David S]

it can be a bit hit and miss regarding the stress, all fish act differently although tangs are easily stressed.I think as long as you do upgrade you should be ok.
I've had a yellow eyed kole for over a year in a 60 gallon(uk) tank and its doing fine.

 

[Swimzebras]

I think it might be true that I'll only really be happy with a tang. Oh well, something to look foreword too (if it works out)

 

[carey]

Thats the other thing. if it works out. Who knows where you'll be in life in a year? if youre broke then no upgrade. :-( Or if you move etc etc....

It took me almost a year to get my 125g sw, I'm glad I waited. i would have been crushed if something happened to a tang while I was waiting. they are sooo beautiful and graceful....

 

[J670]

Can't he keep a tang until it's a certain size? Then either upgrade to a larger tank or give it to someone who can house it or the lfs?

 

[carey]

he could. but I don't see the point in getting a fish and then giving it away. especially a tang. It would break my heart. lol

 

[Swimzebras]

Oh yea, I forgot about that....would it work?

 

[carey]

Is your tank at least 4 feet? or is it a 3 footer?

 

[Swimzebras]

But if I could only keep it for a month I don't want to do that? How long could I keep it for? It's two feet by three feet by one foot