Male Ellioti Hogging 1/3 Off Tank

[Littlemonkey]

When I got home last night, put the lights on as usual and noticed that most of the gang were all down one end of the 4ft. TV wasn't on, so I wondered what was going on. The fish would go asfar as the rock formation then go no further. It wasn't till a little later when one of my rams ventured just past the rock that out zoomed The Male Ellioti and chased him away. He dosn't bother with the otto's or the featherfins just the others even the female elliotti get the same treatment. So I've got a 4ft tank with most of the fish at one end and the other end is patrolled by this one. I will be taking out everything from the tank soon to attach the background so If I were to move the rock formation from near the middle to further towards the end to restrict his area of territory. Would this work. I must add he hasn't nipped anyone yet or should I think of something else? He is a little so n so, hides in the plants so it look's like the coast is clear so when the other's swim in, out he pop's.

 

[minxfishy]

He's claimed his area and thats that. No-one is allowed there. When you do the background, as you suggest, move the rocks formation and plants etc. You could also bag him and then re-release after the tank change around so he has to start from scratch again in claiming an area.

 

[Littlemonkey]

He's claimed his area and thats that. No-one is allowed there. When you do the background, as you suggest, move the rocks formation and plants etc. You could also bag him and then re-release after the tank change around so he has to start from scratch again in claiming an area.

Hadn't thought of the bagging solution, yes will give that a try, When all the others are in the holding container, I'll bag him and have him in the 60 litre for a bit. He's never going to get himself a girl behaving like that is he.

 

[star4]

If that doesnt work remove the rock he has claimed that way he has nothing to sqabble over, not tried that myself but I read somewhere that removing caves etc can sometimes help with squabbles.

 

[Monty-2010]

I'd try shifting things around a bit re-arrange things every so often so they don't get a chance to cling on to a territory

 

[Littlemonkey]

Well the tank had a complete re-scape and change this weekend, and I guess he has just picked an area that's his. The good news is that a few of the females are venturing in sort of inticing him, and the other fish are taking no notice of him what so ever. This morning I caught the two rams in a liplock. So it looks like my fishes like the new set up.

 

[star4]

Thats good news glad they have settled down again.

 

[Littlemonkey]

Thats good news glad they have settled down again.

Yes, me sitting there wagging my finger at him, saying come on play nice. I'll have to see If I can send to you a picture I took of the two rams, in the background is one of the Ellioti with a huge belly, just after a meal of bloodworms, what gannets they are.