My Kole Tang was once a graceful citizen but is now turning into a big bully. Currently he's been chasing after my Foxface who's been flaring and changing colors a lot, and I know sooner or later the kole tang is getting stung. Can I add another fish to cool it all down, or do I let just let them settle it? Theyre both eating actively. but chasing each other around, with mainly the Kole starting the chasing.
How to deal with a bully fish?
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Mikedawg
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My limited experience is that territorial fish/bullys don't quit bullying; I'd try to rehome one of them, probably the Tang, because he may well begin chasing another fish if the Foxface is removed.
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How large of a tank is this? My Kole tang was the dominant fish until it passed and it would settle down after a time. Currently, I had added my male trigger and my angel and female just went nuts for almost a week going after him. Then, it stopped and he is doing great.
If the foxface is getting hurt, intervene. If only flashing, it is fine. the Kole will settle. At least that is my experience with the two fish.
If the foxface is getting hurt, intervene. If only flashing, it is fine. the Kole will settle. At least that is my experience with the two fish.
Dang, both fish are really pretty
6ft 125 gal.
Yea currently all I see is flashing, I dont see any fin damage. I believe this is all happening because the foxface was shy at first and hid a lot but now it is comfortable and swimming everywhere. Surprisingly, the Kole is smaller than the foxface
Porpoise Hork
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The majority of time aggressive behavior is caused by hunger. How often do you feed them? If only once a day is it possible to increase to two? Other things are age of the fish, some when younger are perfectly happy together. Once they grow up certain fish will want to stake out their territory for mating or natural food sources like that seen in herbivores. I'm betting it's due to the foxface only recently coming out of hiding and the Kole sees this as competition for food. Try placing nori in the tank on opposite ends at the same time several times a week. Over time the tangs will likely learn where the food is at and will not be as territorial given they know where they can usually get something to eat other than the daily feedings.
Here is a good thread on the subject.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tang-aggression-understanding-and-combating.215698/
Here is a good thread on the subject.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tang-aggression-understanding-and-combating.215698/
