Hi...new ? When Do I Make The Decision To Kick Someone Out?

[kj23502]

Some fish are getting really ornery. Ares got pushed back, up against the glass even, by one of the mysterious afra w/the red top. They sometimes lip lock and fly at eachother! It's kinda getting scary, IMO. I've never had agressive fish before(well I guess my tiger barbs) They also do that thing where they curve their bodies sideways (kinda in a loose U shape) and shake a tid bit before one strikes the other one.

I don't want to end up w/any casualties. This is the ROUGHEST I've EVER seen!

I'm thinking that I have too many males.

 

[darrel69]

Its just normal behavior in a Malawi tank... they're competing for dominance. I get it in mine and im sure everyone else does too. Mine isnt as bad as fish getting cornered, up againt the glass and getting beaten... though it use to be when i was understocked.

I know the feeling though... you wish that they would just live peacefully togther, and live happily ever after but thats not what these fish are about lol.

Things to do to minimise aggression... overstock, more females to males, plenty of rock, hiding places, dark caves, completely rescape from time to time to break up territory ect.. you could also promote algae growth for them to spend the day gracing on it... (better than them spending the day harassing each other).

Besides, you shouldnt have many big problems in a tank your size anyway.

 

[kj23502]

I've thought about needing more rock higher up in water column. I do have 5 yellow labs in quar. right now and they're still looking good! I'll be adding them at the end of April, provided they stay healthy! So I guess I need to get more fish in there too!

I know they are about territory and dominance, but wasn't sure if this was taking it too far .
Thanks for calming my fears. I'll keep adding fish once a month(darn quar. period) for awhile and keep an eye on it!

 

[darrel69]

No worries ... i was in the same position not that long back.

 

[lil.guppy]

I recently sold my White Top Afra because he was getting sooooo aggressive compared to the others. My male Kenyi is not bad at all and two pet stores and a handful of people think thats odd. Hey maybe hes a nice male Kenyi he he he