Are Endlers Fin Nippers?

[JezzaBeadle]

Hi, just bought some Endlers for a tank which has some red tailed guppies in. I noticed one Endler chasing one guppy in particular and seemed to be nipping at its tail fin. The tank also has some neon tetras in which don't chase the guppies at all. Has anyone experienced this? Do you think it will stop? I'd be so grateful for some advice,
Thanks.

 

[dunchp]

Hi, just bought some Endlers for a tank which has some red tailed guppies in. I noticed one Endler chasing one guppy in particular and seemed to be nipping at its tail fin. The tank also has some neon tetras in which don't chase the guppies at all. Has anyone experienced this? Do you think it will stop? I'd be so grateful for some advice,
Thanks.

Short answer is no, although all species of fish will occasionally throw up an odd fish which will nip fins even if they don't do it as a rule.

It is far more likely that this is some kind of mating ritual and the endler is trying to ambush the guppy. As you will know, genetically endlers and guppies are very, very closely related and therefore will hybidise so it is probably more amorous than aggressive.

 

[JezzaBeadle]

Thanks for your reply. I didn't once spot the Endler chasing the guppy today, which I was very relieved about! Maybe it was fed up of being rejected by the guppy...