What do you do with a tank bully?

[fishnchip]

Hey guys! I was wondering how others handle it when a fish is bullying others in their tank? Whether it's for territorial reasons or whatever. Do you automatically remove them? Or are these tricks in getting the bully fish to relax and not pester other fish in the tank? Would love to hear what you guys have to say on the matter!

Thanks!

#reefsquad

 

[Gareth elliott]

What fish are you having issues with? Some fish have options besides rehoming, some might not.

What are the tank specs? And all the fish you have?

 

[NY_Caveman]

In some cases a pestered fish will get the message and learn to avoid the bully. That is a good reason to have lots of places to hide in a tank. If the bullying is relentless though there is usually little you can do but intervene. Some folks recommend changing the aquascape around. Others prefer to introduce fish with an acclimation box. The best bet is to add peaceful fish first so they find good homes and learn the tank. Then they have a chance if more aggressive fish are added later.

 

[4FordFamily]

Will need more information to be of assistance.

Tank size? Tankmates (size and species)?

An aggressive fish can often be “tethered” by a docile tank boss. In my 500 gal wall tank it will be a giant blonde naso tang. It’ll be take boss and naso are generally gentle giants but well-equipped to regulate when needed (two giant scalpels instead of one like other tangs). They keep the peace by default. Obviously this example isn’t relevant for many situations which is why more information is needed.

 

[fishnchip]

What fish are you having issues with? Some fish have options besides rehoming, some might not.

What are the tank specs? And all the fish you have?

I have a 32 gallon biocube and I have a pair of clowns, Golden sailfin blenny, and an Orchid Dottyback. I was told and read lots of forums that said Orchids are the exception when it comes to dottybacks. Mine isn’t the worst but does chase some of the other fish around especially the blenny

 

[fishnchip]

Will need more information to be of assistance.

Tank size? Tankmates (size and species)?

An aggressive fish can often be “tethered” by a docile tank boss. In my 500 gal wall tank it will be a giant blonde naso tang. It’ll be take boss and naso are generally gentle giants but well-equipped to regulate when needed (two giant scalpels instead of one like other tangs). They keep the peace by default. Obviously this example isn’t relevant for many situations which is why more information is needed.

I have a 32 gallon biocube with a pair of clowns, Golden sailfin blenny, and orchid dottyback. The orchid isn’t the worst but does chase the other fish if they go near it’s cave

 

[Fishfishfishfish]

I had a pygmy angel kill several fish. Unfortunately once fish are in your tank, catching them can be impossible. I had to tear down my tank, and drain it, just to catch this little mother.... Now he lives in the sump until I find him a home.

 

[fishnchip]

In some cases a pestered fish will get the message and learn to avoid the bully. That is a good reason to have lots of places to hide in a tank. If the bullying is relentless though there is usually little you can do but intervene. Some folks recommend changing the aquascape around. Others prefer to introduce fish with an acclimation box. The best bet is to add peaceful fish first so they find good homes and learn the tank. Then they have a chance if more aggressive fish are added later.

Very true! Thanks!!

 

[fishnchip]

I had a pygmy angel kill several fish. Unfortunately once fish are in your tank, catching them can be impossible. I had to tear down my tank, and drain it, just to catch this little mother.... Now he lives in the sump until I find him a home.

Sorry for your losses! Tearing down my tank is the last option on my list for sure

 

[Gareth elliott]

Is there any damage to the blenny and is he eating?

How long is the chasing for? Does it end when one fish moves to another part of the tank?

 

[niQo]

I have an ORA Orchid Dottyback. He's responsible for the death of at least one fish that I introduced after him. He can be relentless

 

[fishnchip]

Is there any damage to the blenny and is he eating?

How long is the chasing for? Does it end when one fish moves to another part of the tank?

There’s hasn’t been any harm done to the blenny. The dottyback will chase him until the blenny tucks away into his little hole. The blenny is eating fine and looks healthy that’s why I haven’t removed the dottyback. But I used to have a pair of Yasha gobies and I’m 98% sure the dottyback is the reason they didn’t make it. He’d chase them into their cave and eventually the gobies never came out again

 

[fishnchip]

I have an ORA Orchid Dottyback. He's responsible for the death of at least one fish that I introduced after him. He can be relentless

Mine is the same! I added a pair of Yasha gobies and I’m positive he’s the reason theyre not around anymore

 

[shred5]

In most cases there is not much you can do.
About the only thing that last long term is sometimes putting a different fish that becomes king of the tank, like a larger less aggressive fish.
In almost every case I have had to trap the fish.

 

[fishnchip]

In most cases there is not much you can do.
About the only thing that last long term is sometimes putting a different fish that becomes king of the tank, like a larger less aggressive fish.
In almost every case I have had to trap the fish.

Might try this if it gets worse down the road. I’ve heard of people taping larger fish into the side of the tank to combat tank aggression. Does it work for all fish??

 

[Gareth elliott]

Might try this if it gets worse down the road. I’ve heard of people taping larger fish into the side of the tank to combat tank aggression. Does it work for all fish??

You are rather limited in the biocube.

Personally i would try a larger footprint before a co-competitor.

 

[shred5]

Might try this if it gets worse down the road. I’ve heard of people taping larger fish into the side of the tank to combat tank aggression. Does it work for all fish??

Do not want a picture of a fish taped to my tank long term.

That being said for initial aggression I have used a mirror and it works. But if it is a fish that is going to be aggressive long term it does not work just for new additions that sometimes get bullied.

Best thing to do is avoid things like aggressive damsels, dottybacks , tangs etc. Do not tempt fate by putting fish together that have no business being together. Best bet.

 

[fishnchip]

You are rather limited in the biocube.

Personally i would try a larger footprint before a co-competitor.

Yeah I don’t know how much bigger than I dottyback I could go

 

[4FordFamily]

I have a 32 gallon biocube and I have a pair of clowns, Golden sailfin blenny, and an Orchid Dottyback. I was told and read lots of forums that said Orchids are the exception when it comes to dottybacks. Mine isn’t the worst but does chase some of the other fish around especially the blenny

Orchid dottybacks are the most docile dottys, but they're still dottybacks. They also have a nice variance in temperament, although generally a lot less aggressive. I notice in smaller tanks, dotty tend to be much more territorial. Mine in my 180 full of aggressive tangs and angels is pretty docile and doesn't bother anyone... but he's the smallest fish other than a small black ice clownfish!

In your case, I don't see that behavior improving -- in fact, it's likely to worsen. I'd recommend a re-home for that one. Sorry

 

[shred5]

Orchid dottybacks are the most docile dottys, but they're still dottybacks. They also have a nice variance in temperament, although generally a lot less aggressive. I notice in smaller tanks, dotty tend to be much more territorial. Mine in my 180 full of aggressive tangs and angels is pretty docile and doesn't bother anyone... but he's the smallest fish other than a small black ice clownfish!

In your case, I don't see that behavior improving -- in fact, it's likely to worsen. I'd recommend a re-home for that one. Sorry

Agreed orchids are the least with the neon being close to the worst.
Dottybacks are just eveil.