Aggressive Bristlenose

[aquamanis]

When I first put 3 Bristlenoses in my tank there was plenty of algae for them to eat. Now they've cleaned just about every nook and crany and they are looking for alternative food sources. When I put an algae biscuit for the corys or drop a block of brine srimp in the largest of the BNs chases all the other fish away and has become a bit aggressive. Should I get rid of him or is it just the pecking order and there will always be the biggest fish?

 

[mrV]

It's normal behaviour for bristlenoses. Hopefully those 3 are same sex.

Drop those algae biscuits different point in your tank.

 

[suemack]

I had the same problem and ended up getting rid of mine - they were too territorial with the food and my cories were getting very nervous when feeding. The BN would even swim up at the guppies if they tried to come to the bottom of the tank to get some food. Tried the food in different areas of the tank but the BN were quick and scooted around the tank harrassing everyone.

 

[gadazobe]

When the BN's eating the wafer for the cories, drop in another one for the cories. He can't eat 2 at the same time.

 

[aquamanis]

Thanks for the replys. I tried breaking up a couple of algae biscuits but the little bugger of a BN decided he wants them all and races around harrasing everyone as suemack mentioned. I must admit its funny to watch though, the tiger barbs pick up a piece and are off with it in their mouths, they look so funny when they do that. Mr V, I think they are the same sex, how old are BNs before the males produce thier beards? The largest one is about 3 and a half inches long.

 

[Alien Anna]

Aquamanis, sounds like your bristlenose would be fine as that only bristlenose in the tank, but is not a good sharer. I'd give him away to someone who hasn't got one in their tank already - they're fine with tetras, danios, guppies or other small fish.

 

[BlackWolf0503]

I must admit its funny to watch though, the tiger barbs pick up a piece and are off with it in their mouths, they look so funny when they do that.

So I'm not the only one with Tiger Barbs that like Algae pellets. I thought it was really weird & am glad someone else had this.