Royal gramma attacking firefish

[DanH86]

Yesterday I introduced a firefish to my tank and it unfortunately chose the same rocky arch to live in as my royal gramma was already inhabiting. As a result it’s been nipped several times and now has a damaged tip of its long upper fin. they both hide every time I try and net one of them. Do I hope it settles down or persist in trying to remove one? There are several other caves and arches but they both want the same one!

 

[DanH86]

A very blue pic but you can see the damage...

 

[Dorinda]

I also have a pair of fire fish and a royal gramma. But I had the fire fish first and I have had no problems here. Maybe my fairy wrasse chasing the royal gramma every now and then.
How long has it been doing this?

 

[Dorinda]

What size tank do you have? I have a 75 gallon.
Maybe if you move the rock work around a bit it might make them both choose another home.

 

[DanH86]

Reefer 250, so approx 66 Gallons.

Today is the first full day they’ve been together. This morning was full on snarling and nipping from the gramma, things seem to have settled now with the fire fish finally deciding to explore. Fingers crossed it stays ok.

 

[Halo_003]

Reefer 250, so approx 66 Gallons.

Today is the first full day they’ve been together. This morning was full on snarling and nipping from the gramma, things seem to have settled now with the fire fish finally deciding to explore. Fingers crossed it stays ok.

I also had a quick (1-2 days) period of dispute between a Springeri Dottyback and a Helfrichi Firefish. I was surprised because both of them had nipped fins after a day or two. They now share the same areas of the tank at night and since then I haven’t seen any of the fighting, so hopefully it ends up that way for you.

 

[lavoisier]

It's not unusual to have a day or two of aggression toward new tank mates.

 

[DanH86]

Thanks all. Hopefully it calms down a bit of googling tells me the firefish fin should heal in a day or two which would be great.

 

[jrill]

Grammas can be jerks. Good luck. Had to remove mine.

 

[Jesterrace]

It's not unusual to have a day or two of aggression toward new tank mates.

Or sometimes even a week or two if the fish are well established.