Bullied Clown Loach

[Gadgetman1805]

Hi everyone,

Just wondered if anyone else had the same experience,

currently running 180litre tank juwel vision with eheim 2028 filter lots of hiding spaces and well planted. I have had 5 clown loaches quite small living all together in the cave (will be moving them to a much bigger tank at the end of the month)

however they seem to have abandonned one clown loach recently from the pack, everytime he goes to get food they push him out of the way and steal it, use it to help feed the others. His fin is ripped at the top and they peck him on his skin. Any ideas why they have abandonned him? Really dont want him to die. Evertime i try to get him some food instantly taken away from him. He swims towards the cage but all 4 push him out immediately?

is it a pecking order fight?

any input would be appreciated thanks!

 

[Straydum]

its rare i would say for clown loaches to do such a thing, especially to one of their own kind. i always thought them as really sociable. this reallu puzzles me

 

[paul_219]

Mine do it also. That normal.

 

[Gadgetman1805]

i do think its odd behaviour, ive had them for quite a few years now and theyve just suddenly left him on his own, when the largest of the pack was sick all of them kind of stayed with it ensured it wouldnt lay on its side or push it up if it was weak. This one they have just kind of left to fend for itself.

I truly dont understand either!!

 

[Meds081603]

What are your other tankmates? I've never seen clowns hurt another clown. I can see being greedy for food, but not picking on another loach.