Bicolor Angel fighting "itself" in QT

[hoffmeyerz]

Picked up a Bicolor Angel (just in time for Michigan's cfp game ) and it's hanging out in the qt but obsessed with its reflection! Standard basic bare bottom qt with a couple pieces of pvc elbows. I know these fish are territorial and I'm a little worried it will get over stressed fighting it's reflection. I have a couple bags of rocks I can put on the bottom if that will help. Anyone else solve this issue or will he get over himself...lol

 

[Jekyl]

Picked up a Bicolor Angel (just in time for Michigan's cfp game ) and it's hanging out in the qt but obsessed with its reflection! Standard basic bare bottom qt with a couple pieces of pvc elbows. I know these fish are territorial and I'm a little worried it will get over stressed fighting it's reflection. I have a couple bags of rocks I can put on the bottom if that will help. Anyone else solve this issue or will he get over himself...lol

Maybe change the angle of the lighting so the reflection isn't as much of an issue.

 

[hoffmeyerz]

I don't have a light on the tank, just ambient light from the room. That room gets indirect sunlight during the day, so there's no way to change the light. I think all I can do is cover the bottom with the rocks I have.

 

[davidcalgary29]

They're one of the most intelligent fish and it's possible that it's simply bored. How much flow do you have? I know it sounds crazy, but have you thought about getting one of those tacky pirate treasure chests that releases random bubbles? I can't tell you how many times I've caught my bicolor riding the flow or barging in a passive group of other fish. They do like stimulation.

 

[MnFish1]

Do you have - or could you post - a video of the specific behavior?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

What about taping black construction paper to the sides and back of the tank? Then, if that works, you could make a flap for the front as well.

Jay

 

[hoffmeyerz]

Do you have - or could you post - a video of the specific behavior?

I'll try and get a video when I get home.
I thought about paper but black paper on the glass too, wasn't sure which was easiest to do, adding rocks or paper!
I'll see what I can come up with stimulation.

 

[Weeb]

I'll try and get a video when I get home.
I thought about paper but black paper on the glass too, wasn't sure which was easiest to do, adding rocks or paper!
I'll see what I can come up with stimulation.

I would also recommend a light on the QT. Sometimes you can alter its angle to cut back on the reflection from ambient lighting.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Picked up a Bicolor Angel (just in time for Michigan's cfp game ) and it's hanging out in the qt but obsessed with its reflection! Standard basic bare bottom qt with a couple pieces of pvc elbows. I know these fish are territorial and I'm a little worried it will get over stressed fighting it's reflection. I have a couple bags of rocks I can put on the bottom if that will help. Anyone else solve this issue or will he get over himself...lol

This is what they and clownfish do. . . up/down and left/right following its own image. Dimming lights often help