Tang behavior

[winkkle]

So i have a juvi orange shoulder tang and after he eats either mysis or marine algae he goes to the surface and makes bubbles for a few seconds at a time almost like he is drinking water. Its weird to me ive never seen any other tangs ive ever owned do this? Any ideas? Otherwise he is very healthy.

 

[dawgface]

It maybe from a lack of sufficient oxygen in your water column.

 

[winkkle]

I have a mag 18 and 5 koralia powerheads. Hes the only fish that does this and after he eats. Hes not just making a quick trip to the surface he stays theres inverted for like 5 seconds. Weird to me

 

[dawgface]

How many fish do you have and what size tank/system?

 

[dawgface]

Fish sizes as well.

 

[winkkle]

Ive got 8 fish and its a 120. All fish are under 2-3" except for the tang. hes between 4-5".

Edit: Actually only 7 sorry.

 

[cbj25]

drilled? skimmer?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Fish that "eat" bubbles or bite at the surface are eating protein. Proteins accumulate at the air water interface.

 

[winkkle]

dual overflow 40gal sump and yes a skimmer.

 

[rdnelson]

I have a similar thing with my Kole (well with a twist). Most of the day he will swim to the top take in some air then swim around picking at algae. After a minute or so he will let the air out. Then, he will go to the sand bed, get a mouthful of sand and again swim around picking at rocks and tank walls. Again, after a minute or so, he will spit the sand out. Doesn't look like anything to be concerned about but just seems like strange behavior.