Multiple Quoyi's

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 11, 2017

I've posted my story before, so I'll say it briefly. I had a female. I found the same size male (under 4") for $80, so I jumped on it. The next day, I thought for sure the new one was going to die in QT. I had gone to a new store that opened and there was a huge male (7"+) for $35. I jumped on it, thinking the other one would die. It did not. I put them both in QT together with no ill effects. They went through 4 weeks of copper and decided I would try and sell it to someone. I added the smaller one to the main tank in an acclimation box. The female (established) in DT went nuts and was trying everything to get to the new one. Eventually it subsided and I released the male into the DT. They are fine for the most part. There is some chasing, but nothing to bad. My problem now is, I've grown attached to the bigger one still in QT. He was not eating, until recently an now eats msysis like a champ. I have a 250 gallon tank. Should I try putting him into the acclimation box or do you think it's too risky?

sc50964 · Apr 11, 2017

It's too risky plus ur acclimation big is gonna be too small for a 7" male.

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 11, 2017

sc50964 said:
It's too risky plus ur acclimation big is gonna be too small for a 7" male.

No, I have a very big one. 18".

evolved · Apr 11, 2017

If you put it in, you're going to watch one or more be killed.

Maritimer · Apr 11, 2017

At 18", your acclimation box is just a bit over 2x the length of the parrot - and parrots can move when they want to . . .

I know you had both males together for at least a little while in QT - how well did they tolerate each other during that time, and how long were they together?

Is there any possibility you could divide the tank safely, for instance with a piece of eggcrate, through which the fish could see one another and interact, but not unleash those beaks on each other's fins?

Hunter, I take it you've seen this attempted in the past?

Just a few quick thoughts . . .

~Bruce

evolved · Apr 12, 2017

Maritimer said:
Hunter, I take it you've seen this attempted in the past?

No, but much of what I do or recommend is based on calculated or perceived risk. I am an engineer, after all.

Maritimer · Apr 12, 2017

Fair enough!

Somewhat predictable behaviour from a terminal phase labrid male, and all . . .

~Bruce

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 14, 2017

Maritimer said:
At 18", your acclimation box is just a bit over 2x the length of the parrot - and parrots can move when they want to . . .

I know you had both males together for at least a little while in QT - how well did they tolerate each other during that time, and how long were they together?

Is there any possibility you could divide the tank safely, for instance with a piece of eggcrate, through which the fish could see one another and interact, but not unleash those beaks on each other's fins?

Hunter, I take it you've seen this attempted in the past?

Just a few quick thoughts . . .

~Bruce

They got along fine in the 40 gallon QT. Its really just the established one that I'm worried about it.

Maritimer · Apr 14, 2017

That's the female, right? Or would you guess she's transitioning?

She's much smaller than the one still in QT, IIRC, but keep in mind that one of these days (though I'm given to understand they're slow-growing), they'll all be the size of the big one - or larger. One or both of the residents may decide to give the new one a hard time.

Try the acclimation box, if a divider won't work - but I'd watch carefully to see that the big guy doesn't stress too hard, just due to the confined space, and then also monitor the actions and attitude of the residents as well.

You've a challenge ahead, for certain - the only tank I've heard of with more than two Quoy's in it was in a fish shop / wholesaler's ... and there were at least five in the video I saw. That was intended as short-term, though.

~Bruce

Maritimer · Apr 15, 2017

Addendum, just because I was just reminded ...

Placing a mirror along one side of the tank (or both, if you're so inclined) can help distract an aggressive fish, by adding "extra newcomers", and at the same time help you to gauge the resident fish's aggressiveness level. I've also heard of aggression being toned down by placing aquarium nets ("natural predator" of aquarium fish...) head-up around the rock.

~Bruce, not sure whether to wish you luck or hope you decide to rehome the Quoy's . . . (>__<)

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 15, 2017

Maritimer said:
That's the female, right? Or would you guess she's transitioning?

She's much smaller than the one still in QT, IIRC, but keep in mind that one of these days (though I'm given to understand they're slow-growing), they'll all be the size of the big one - or larger. One or both of the residents may decide to give the new one a hard time.

Try the acclimation box, if a divider won't work - but I'd watch carefully to see that the big guy doesn't stress too hard, just due to the confined space, and then also monitor the actions and attitude of the residents as well.

You've a challenge ahead, for certain - the only tank I've heard of with more than two Quoy's in it was in a fish shop / wholesaler's ... and there were at least five in the video I saw. That was intended as short-term, though.

~Bruce

I might put him in the acclimation box today, not sure. The female I believe is transitioning, at least that what others on this forum have said. She's much paler then the other two, so not completely sure.

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 15, 2017

Maritimer said:
Addendum, just because I was just reminded ...

Placing a mirror along one side of the tank (or both, if you're so inclined) can help distract an aggressive fish, by adding "extra newcomers", and at the same time help you to gauge the resident fish's aggressiveness level. I've also heard of aggression being toned down by placing aquarium nets ("natural predator" of aquarium fish...) head-up around the rock.

~Bruce, not sure whether to wish you luck or hope you decide to rehome the Quoy's . . . (>__<)

An LFS says they will take either the one back I bought from them or the bigger one, but I'd hate to see either go to someone who knows nothing about them and just likes the "colors".