Angel Fish Conquistator

[Dooner]

I recently bought three angel fish for my 28 gallon tank, which now holds them, a small pleco, and a small bala shark.
Suddenly I've noticed one of the angels (one particular one for the last ten minutes) has been relentlessly attacking the other two...homing right in on each of them in turn, and nipping at their fins.
He does this everytime they come near the middle of the tank, and he chases them to the sides.
Is this a territorial thing? What can I do? Please help, I'm afraid at least one of them will be dead by tomorrow morning.

Dooner

 

[IMCL85]

Not supprise but if he really does damage other fin then he should be return or remove. My current altum and assort angel also chase each other occationally but thats completely normal for cichlid.

 

[Tolak]

How large are they? Adults should have 10 gallons per fish, though a 28 is probably close enough, as long as the tank is at least 18" tall. With 3 in a 28, some aggression/territory disputes are to be expected.

Try rearranging the tank & adding some more plants & decos to give the fish a few more places to hide. I've had some really torn up angels, half the fins missing, and they heal up fine. If one looks really raggedy, put it in a seperate tank, do daily 50% water changes with a little melafix.

Tolak

 

[Dooner]

They're pretty small, maybe two inches tall. I was thinking about moving the tank decor, but it doesn't seem like they have specific territories...More like the aggressor is just keeping thm from the food. As soon as they go near the top of the water he chases em down and to the very sides of the tank...I've seen him chase them all the way across the the 3 feet of the tank.

He seems to have calmed down a bit, at least for now. Thanks for responding so quick guys, I do appreciate it. I'll check the fish and the forum tomorrow.

Dooner