Fighting Foxes

dbl · Oct 26, 2015

Came home this evening to my pair of one-spots apparently going at it. They've been together in my tank for over a year and a half. I bought them as a pair that were another tank together, but I don't know how long.

They've gone back and forth before, but nothing like this, at least that I've seen. The one being harassed just keeps trying to hide, but he's not getting much reprieve.

Not sure what, if anything, I can do, so I was hoping to see if anyone has a suggestion of what might be going on, and if I should be trying to intervene.

Thoughts please???

melypr1985 · Oct 26, 2015

have you tried putting a mirror up to the glass to try and distract the aggressor?
Acclimation box (time out for the mean one)
Remove to the sump for a while?
That's really all I got sorry.

143MPCo · Oct 26, 2015

Maybe @eatbreakfast or @3FordFamily can give you additional recommendations?

dbl · Oct 26, 2015

I've been trying to distract it. I was thinking I should set up my 20g qt tank in case I needed it.

Quick question...I'm not actually sure of the gender of this pair. Could this possibly be a mating ritual, assuming I have one of each?

143MPCo · Oct 26, 2015

do you have a (silly question) fish net?
Stick in the the tank if so, most fish scatter soon as one is placed anywhere they can see it.
It might help to stop the aggression until a more permanent recommendation can be given.

dbl · Oct 26, 2015

Thanks Meredith and Alex. I appreciate the quick response and help. Oh the fun of this hobby...

dbl · Oct 26, 2015

143MPCo said:
do you have a (silly question) fish net?
Stick in the the tank if so, most fish scatter soon as one is placed anywhere they can see it.
It might help to stop the aggression until a more permanent recommendation can be given.

Great minds. Just left it in there while I run out and see if I can find an acclimation box this late.

Pfisherman · Oct 26, 2015

Dude the truth is that they have probably had enough of each other. Rabbitfish in general are pretty docile but they dont like each other in most circumstances. The problem isnt going to be them hurting each other with their spines, but others may become co lateral camage.

Is your tank 10' LONG by chance?

dbl · Oct 26, 2015

Tank is a standard 4' 120g, so no, not 10'. And your collateral damage comment is my primary concern. The Melanurus wrasse is trying to get in there and "play" with them.

Going to try and catch the aggressor now.

4FordFamily · Oct 26, 2015

Yeah I don't think that's mating. Unfortunately I say you have a 75% chance of needing to remove one or the other. I would remove the aggressor, personally.

Once a fish becomes that submissive, it's not likely that they'll regain companionship. Bullying seems to be addicting

dbl · Oct 26, 2015

Figured that would be the verdict...thanks for the help. My trying to catch the little booger proved futile at best. The only result was uprooting a 40+ head, about 10-12" when open, been attached for over a year, branching hammer. So the score at the moment is Foxface 1, hammer 0, and both are PO'd at me!

Out of energy and patience for this evening. Tomorrow is another day and gives me time to build a fish trap.

I truly thank all for the quick and helpful suggestions.

Pfisherman · Oct 26, 2015

Oh boy. I didnt watch your video, so i didn't kniw the tank size. You are on the right track though, one of your fishes has become mature sexually and is staking his or her territory. Thats my thoughts anyway.

dbl · Oct 26, 2015

Well, I have to agree one of them has to be evicted. But the Goose is poured (for me), the lights are almost out (for them), and all is well again in the homefront...at least for the evening.

eatbreakfast · Oct 27, 2015

One definitely needs to be removed.

Different tricks for catching a fish would be to block off sections in the tank with segments of eggcrate or extra nets, or using algae scrapers to stick in the rockwork to scare them into the open.

dbl · Oct 27, 2015

Success...Finally got him in to a corner and eventually in to a net. He's now living at the local LFS. I was going to offer him to a new local reefer to help them get started, but just no way to "store" him safely and comfortably.

I've never done any fragging until this evening, and it wasn't by intention. So I picked up some additional epoxy and glue while I was dropping him off. Time to remount the broken and despaired.

Honestly I'm a little sad. This pair of one-spots were the first fish in my tank. Here is the last picture of my old friend, sadly sitting in a not-so-Glad container with a few pellets as an apology meal.

I will take another opportunity to thank everyone for their help. Hopefully things will get back to normal again, whatever normal is!!!