Pair of helfrichi suddenly fighting

[Sean Duggan]

Hey everyone I’ve had a pair of helfrichi in my QT tank for past 2 weeks. Suddenly today the bigger one started going after the smaller and pinning it in the top corner of the tank. I added a yellow tang to the QT but would that have changed the attitude of the fish. Should I take out one of them and throw them in my frag tank?

 

[Pbh-reef]

That sounds vicious and like they aren’t a true pair. In would separate them ASAP

 

[Katrina71]

Agreed. Soon you'll have one.

 

[atoll]

It seems fish of the firefish family are fine together when immature. When they become sexually mature if they aren't a male and a female then trouble ensues.

 

[Sean Duggan]

Yeah I realized after I posted that how dangerously close to fire I was playing with. I present to you the most expensive frag tank fish ever lol only need a name now.

 

[Pbh-reef]

If you’re part of a local reefing club I bet you could sell it

 

[Sean Duggan]

If you’re part of a local reefing club I bet you could sell it

Yeah I was thinking about it. I’ll keep him for a little while to see what pans out. Talked to the owner of the store I got it from and he said he would take it back and we could work something out

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Firefish do not tolerate conspecifics long term, unless they are a mated pair. Mated pairs are very difficult to obtain. Yours is not a mated pair.

 

[AZMSGT]

Another solution is a BIG tank, give them their space to be separate. You don't say what size tank you have or have a build thread.

 

[wmo168]

how much do you got each for. I havent able to find one to buy locally. Been looking for a year

 

[Sean Duggan]

Sorry for late replies guys been a busy day. My tank is a 5’ long Red Sea reefer 650 so about 130 gallons. I got them for 90 each. I’m very good friends with the LFS owner so he was able to track them down and give them to me for $90 each.

 

[AZMSGT]

Sorry for late replies guys been a busy day. My tank is a 5’ long Red Sea reefer 650 so about 130 gallons. I got them for 90 each. I’m very good friends with the LFS owner so he was able to track them down and give them to me for $90 each.

Wow, I’m surprised you’re having trouble in a tank that Big.

 

[Sean Duggan]

Wow, I’m surprised you’re having trouble in a tank that Big.

Yeah but I’m just going to accept it instead of trying to force it.

 

[Zakery Murray]

if youre ever looking to sell one id be interested, my lfs never gets them in.

 

[Sean Duggan]

Haha sorry guys one of my Reefing buddies has already put a claim on the one I get rid of