Help With Shell Dweller Agression

[Sporen]

In the last few weeks I have set up a Rena 100 cube tank and moved a pair of Lamprologus ocellatus and a pair of Lamprologus Meleagris into it. The ocellatus are definatley male and female and I am fairly convinced the Meleagris are too. They have 36 (!) shells between them but the male ocellatus has completely monopolised them all. The Meleagis are now living in the rocks and the female ocellatus just hangs about over what used to be her shell (see far right in photo). Any suggestions as to what to do to sort this, as the female ocellatus in particular is obviously unhappy about the situation. The tank dimensions are 18x18x18, holds 100L. Would maybe removing the Meleagris and adding another female ocellatus ease the tension? They are currently the only fish in the tank, do you think if more were added the male would be kept occupied elsewhere? All suggestions gratefully recieved. I have tried moving the shells and trying to position the males shell collection in such a way that the others will be out of his direct line of sight but he just leaves his territory and seeks them out. Is this maybe something that will settle with time?

 

[dthoffsett]

You might try using the rocks to separate the shells into different sections to block his line of sight and see if that helps. I'd remove the aggressive male to a little holding tank/bucket while you do it so he loses sense of the territories if possible.

If that doesn't work, you may need to rehome one of the two species and get another female or two. Shelldwellers are harem breeders, so having multiple females will cut down on the aggression.

 

[Sporen]

Thanks for your reply. I have had a re-shuffle and (fingers crossed) it seems to have calmed things down to the point that they are now all exhibiting breeding behaviour! So watch this space!

 

[dthoffsett]

Thanks for your reply. I have had a re-shuffle and (fingers crossed) it seems to have calmed things down to the point that they are now all exhibiting breeding behaviour! So watch this space!

Great to hear, hope things stay that way.