Discus Bully

[DiscusKeeper403]

Hey,

One of my 5 Discus is very very nasty to one of the smaller Discus. It will chase it into the corner, and will hit it's body. The other will then lip lock with it, and fan it's tail in the others face. Still, I think it is way too much, and if it keeps going on, I feel it will eventually turn out for the worst.


Anything I can do to stop the aggression?

Thanks,

DL

 

[Pimp]

bigger tank, less fish, more space, more hiding spots, less light etc.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

bigger tank, less fish, more space, more hiding spots, less light etc.

Less light isn't going to do anything... Less Discus will lead to more aggression. 10 gallons per Discus is supposed to be fine, and some other forum say that the rule can be bent easily. The only thing I would think useful out of that is more hiding spots, but I had already added more.



Anyone else have anything pratical? Should I even be worried!?

 

[WILDER]

You can seperate them by getting another tank, or sectioning the tank off but I wouldn't advise it in a small tank.

 

[crazie.eddie]

You will typically have aggression with discus for dominance. I have 5 discus along with angels in my 125 gallon tank. I have a very dominant male, a sub dominant male, another male that doesn't take crap, and 2 other's that don't care what goes on. The 3 males will often lip lock with each other, but with no physical injuries.

If you are really concerned add more discus, but this will only lead to the new discus fighting for dominance as well. What will work temporarily is to remove the discus, rearrange the decor in the tank, then put the discus back in. They will need to establish their new territories again. Unfortunately, once they do, they will fight for dominance again.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Thanks guys.


I already knew that aggression was typical- after all, they are cichlids. I just worry, because it seems a little much. I have never really seen any fight like how they do.


I bought a divider, but it turns out it isn't the right size. I re-arranged the tank, and added some backing to both sides of the tank (its a "see through" front and back tank.) And added some plants. Now, the two big discus hang out at the other end, so hopefully this will help.

i'll keep my eye out for aggression.

thanks,

DL