Question about Tangs?

Question

I have a Kole Tang. I was wondering if the spikes are ever "shed" He definitely looks like he had them out, but in the past...I was able to see the spike. Now, the "slit" is open, but I don't see his spike. Not concerned, just curious. I tried researching on-line and it is never mentioned.

Thanks for the response. He is a funny little guy..have had him for over a year. He gets a little too excited during feeding and those spikes come out! He doesn't aim them at the others, so all is well.

Answer 1

Those spikes are why they are called surgeon fish. They are sharp like a surgeons scalpel. It's a defensive thing they have. During your feedings he is showing his dominance and warding off other fish from "his" food. Much in the same way other fish will puff up their fins to look bigger. When he has them out and is sort of swishing his tail at another fish thats what to be more worried about. They can really cause some damage with those spines. Be careful when your in the tank. Usually they will stay away from you but I have been gotten a few times by startling them in a a hiding spot and a large tang can draw blood.

Answer 2

the spikes are not shed as far as I know, I see them at the stores all the time and I have never heard of it being shed. The spike may have broken off when he was sleeping.

Answer 3

This just sounds like the tang is getting comfortable in his new home. The spines are actually retractable into the grove along the caudal peduncle (part of the tail before the fin), so the fact that's he's not "showing" them any more is a sign he doesn't feel threatened by anything. Read down to the bottom of this page: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/tangs.php

Answer 4

No, those spikes on there tails never some off, but you can ask your fish store about cutting them off. And your tangs gan kill another fish with those spikes. hope it helped
GOOD LUCK~~~!