Fish hitting new fish with tail

[Kiko Unson]

I got a bangai cardnial. My fiji blue devil damsel came to it and hit/rub it with it's tail. Does that mean anything? Also the cardinal fish has been staying in an open spot in the tank away from the damsel and clownfish. Is that normal behavior?

 

[attiland]

I got a bangai cardnial. My fiji blue devil damsel came to it and hit/rub it with it's tail. Does that mean anything? Also the cardinal fish has been staying in an open spot in the tank away from the damsel and clownfish. Is that normal behavior?

Damsels are often aggressive towards newcomers. Keep an eye on them. I don’t have cardinals but read about them they let ke peaceful company. Let’s hope they settle the picking order and than the aggression will stop.

 

[Jekyl]

How big of a tank? Plenty of hiding spots?

 

[Kiko Unson]

How big of a tank? Plenty of hiding spots?

15 gallon tank, only a few.

 

[Jekyl]

Keep a close eye on them. If aggression gets too bad I would return the fish. Both should be in a 30 gallon. Usually the extra space needed is for territory and size reasons.

 

[tricky_tran]

My Coral Beauty did that to the Yellow Faced Goby on the first night because the Goby was hiding under the rock in by the Angel's area. Next day they seemed fine.

 

[00W]

Cardinals are peaceful schooling fish best kept in groups. They can pick on each other from time to time but can be easily terrorized.
Both of the other tank mates can become quite aggressive especially in such a small tank.
Cardinals notoriously just chill in open water. They really have no motivation to go and hide.
To be honest I think the tank is not right for him or her.
Maybe not the answer you were looking for but hope that helps.

 

[F i s h y]

Agree with above post, the clown would probably be fine but the damsel will not make a good long term tankmate in that small of a tank with any fish... if it were me I'd get the damsel out sooner rather than later...

 

[Super Fly]

I got a bangai cardnial. My fiji blue devil damsel came to it and hit/rub it with it's tail.

Sorry but this cracked me up, thought this only happened in cartoons!

 

[MPrz59]

I got a bangai cardnial. My fiji blue devil damsel came to it and hit/rub it with it's tail. Does that mean anything? Also the cardinal fish has been staying in an open spot in the tank away from the damsel and clownfish. Is that normal behavior?

Not an expert in fish aggression but damsels can be mean especially if they have established territory. My Sailfin Tang does the same thing to new editions but thats his way to say he's the boss

 

[Waydeo]

That's how fish greet each other due to covid19 .lol
Keep an eye on them to see if they don't get to rough. If they do a temporary separate them if you can .