"Extra" Banggai cardinal

[HKfshkpr1]

I did not do enough research. I initially had 1 of those( in my show tank) and my wife liked it. So I got 2 more thinking they're peaceful. During quarantine the 2 new ones did not get along at all.
Thinking things would be OK when I put all 3 together in the bigger show tank but no! 2 paired up( did not know they would pair up until now) and the remaining 1 gets harrassed.
My question is: should I get him/her out? tank is 60 gal non-aggressive. Will it live in the bigger semi-aggressive tank?

 

[Chrisfish]

Let’s get you some help.... @eatbreakfast
And of course #reefsquad

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

The third bangaii is going to need to be removed. What tank mates are in the semi-aggressive tank?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Agreed that the 3rd bangaii needs to be removed. It will fare better with semi aggressive fish than with the other bangaiis.

 

[caietaro]

I had a similar situation - bought a small group and let a pair form naturally. Eventually I had taken all out but 3 while trying to figure out who would end up in a pair. Ultimately a pair formed and constantly harassed the 3rd so I had to remove it. This was in a 150g tank.

 

[saltyhog]

Agree with above. Anytime you have a pair of mouth brooders the odd man out is not going to be tolerated. They're cool fish, you shouldn't have any problem getting someone to take him off of your hands.

 

[PatW]

Once a pair forms, it will molest the other Bengai probably to death. I had two pairs in a large tank, 300 gallons, and it was not big enough.

 

[HKfshkpr1]

Once a pair forms, it will molest the other Bengai probably to death. I had two pairs in a large tank, 300 gallons, and it was not big enough.

Now I'll try my best to get him/her out which is very tough. Tank has rocks, mangrove roots, etc. It has already stopped eating.......

Thank you so much!

 

[HKfshkpr1]

Now I'll try my best to get him/her out which is very tough. Tank has rocks, mangrove roots, etc. It has already stopped eating.......

Thank you so much!

Update: successfully got it out and placed it in the semi-aggressive tank( all small at present) where it've been doing fine. They leave it alone.

These fish are easy. I found out I can keep them with small clown fish "in a bigger net" and they don't protest and feed as usual( was protecting them from being attacked).