Help With Discus.

[kat11180]

iv kept discus a few times but due to a move i sold all my old stock iv just started to buy some new stock am not to bothered if they breed but if they did then thats a plus. i bought 2 lovely adult discus to start with and they got on well together iv just added a new discus to the tank but doing this has made the larger one of all 3 quite aggresive towards both his tank mates (even tho he wasnt before) could this just be a sign of domanance or could there be a pair in the small group. i could really do with help on this one i never had this problem with any iv kept or breed myself in the past and dont want one or both of the other two getting stressed.and also the larger one will let the smaller two feed but once they have fed and all food gone and they are swimming around again it chases them again which means they both are hiding at each end of the tank while the bigger one is free to do as it pleases

 

[angelmouse]

One fish will always want to be the dominant one. They are best kept with a minimum of 5 discus as this will share out the aggression. You could try removing the dominant fish for a week to give the others a chance to settle and gain confidence, give the tank alittle change round then put him back, it usually works well.
Also good idea to double check water and see all is well there.
Regards Angel

 

[ArauraDiscus]

Yeeha with every group of discus there will be a dominant guy that woikll fight everyone else because he's a jerk. So basically you can count on a pecking order expecially as the group gbets larger.

Sorry for the spelling erros or anything in advance, I am smashed.

 

[angelmouse]

Sorry for the spelling erros or anything in advance, I am smashed.

looks like you had a good night Araura

 

[ArauraDiscus]

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

I think tank size may also play a small role in this. What size is it?

 

[kat11180]

I think tank size may also play a small role in this. What size is it?

its a 46gal tank i moved around the decor and got rid of most of the small hiding places but left some if he starts again so they can get out of the way still but this seems to have stopped alot of the agresstion and they seem happy to be together again thanks for all your help

oh in a 46gal tank how many adults could i put into it without over crowding?? there is no other fish in the tank

 

[kev_kb]

4.6 in total at 1 per 10 gallons lol. 5 will be fine if you keep on top of maintenance.