Why Are My Fish Attacking Each Other?

[imxelite]

My tank has been cycled for about a month or so now and I've had added the following fish: 2 angelfish, 1 red belly paco, 1 pleco, 2 tiger barb, 1 clown loach, 2 gouramis, 1 bala shark. They are all housed in a 60 gallon tank and are babies. I had already planned on getting a bigger tank for the red belly once he got of size. But over the past week two fish have died. My bigger gouramis and the bala shark. Most days the tank looks fine and I'm still checking my level every other day to make sure my water conditions are good. I don't know why they are attacking each other the way the are. I believe the clown loach killed the gouramis and the red belly killed the bala shark. I know they are semi-aggressive but why are they killing each other all of a sudden?

 

[mattlee]

My tank has been cycled for about a month or so now and I've had added the following fish: 2 angelfish, 1 red belly paco, 1 pleco, 2 tiger barb, 1 clown loach, 2 gouramis, 1 bala shark. They are all housed in a 60 gallon tank and are babies. I had already planned on getting a bigger tank for the red belly once he got of size. But over the past week two fish have died. My bigger gouramis and the bala shark. Most days the tank looks fine and I'm still checking my level every other day to make sure my water conditions are good. I don't know why they are attacking each other the way the are. I believe the clown loach killed the gouramis and the red belly killed the bala shark. I know they are semi-aggressive but why are they killing each other all of a sudden?

i doubt that the clown loach killed the gouramis, what are the water stats etc? also balas and pacos need to be in groups not individuals. the same goes for tiger barbs as these are aggressive and a group of 7+ will keep the squabbling amongst themselves and not on other tank mates. did the dead fish have any signs of disease etc, what makes you think other fish killed them?

 

[MrPandaram]

7 tiger barbs min..


otherwise they will pick on other fish to death..

a must..

 

[`Peter]

You need to have at least 5+ tiger barbs, make sure the gouraimis arnt both males or they will attack each other and the bala needs to be able to be kept in a group of 5+ as well. The 2 angelfish should be fine since they are little and be used to each other. Adding more fish shouldnt be a problem since you have a 60 gallon.

 

[imxelite]

Thanks so much for the quick responses. My water levels are

ammonia = 0
nitrite = 0
nitrate = 15-20ppm
pH = 7.4

i did my testing with a API master test kit. I saw the red belly start attacking the bala shark. I didn't see the beginning of the clown loach and the gouraimis but I just thought it was him because he was the one attacking him when I came to the tank.

So do y'all think the problem are the tiger barbs? Should I get more?

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi,

definately get more tiger barbs or get rid of the 2 you have, as mentioned they are more aggressive in smaller tanks.

Also the tank isn't big enough for fully grown Bala sharks or clown loaches, both need 6ft tanks and should be kept in groups of 4+

Andy

 

[MrNiceGuy]

i don't know why people are suggesting getting more tiger barbs, if you only have 2, get rid of them. give em back to the store. they're not good tankmates for angelfish or gouramis, even if you have 7. tiger barbs are known to be one of the worst fin-nipping community fish. they shouldn't be kept with long-finned fish (angels) or slow moving fish (gouramis). i think it'd be best to get yourself a different schooling fish. good luck

 

[england]

Mate when you say red bellied paco you mean the pacu, if yes you do realise just how big these tank busters get?atleast 24inchs and bigger, you will need a transit van sized tank atleast...This could be a likely culprit for killings,they can and are quite aggrssive,esp when young..

 

[Wills]

Mate when you say red bellied paco you mean the pacu, if yes you do realise just how big these tank busters get?atleast 24inchs and bigger, you will need a transit van sized tank atleast...This could be a likely culprit for killings,they can and are quite aggrssive,esp when young..

I have to admit just glancing at the thread I was wondering why no one else was freaking out about the Pacu either. To the OP what are your long term plans for the Pacu, they can live well into their 20s and can even make their 30s, whilst not the largest growing pacu as said they do get very very big and usually need a tank the size of a van as an adult. When Nelly says 24 inches that is on the small side, they can easily make 30 inches and are very big fish like a disk shape and very very thick they are one of the most common food fishes all over South America.

You mention your upgrading as you go which is okay Im in a similar situation right now only thing that concerns me about your tank is that you have the plec which is quite fast growing and will dictate how quickly you upgrade.

Wills