Can fish have their spirit broke?

[nfored]

My rainbow shark has always been the king of the tank. The down fall started last month, after a fight that was worse than normal my Red tail had a split fin, so I moved him out and into my 30 gallon to heal. They used to only get in brief scuffles once a day nothing that was hurting each other.

So after about 3 weeks in the 30 gallon the red tail was fully healed, so I moved him back. There was almost instantly a big fight, so I watched them for 2 more days, during these 2 days the red tail established clear dominance. The rainbow would hide all day and if he came out the red tail would chase him.

So I said enough is enough and moved the rainbow to the 30 gallon to live out his life. However I am very worried he has been hiding in this 30 gallon, I took out the cave, and now he hides behind a rock. He is the biggest fish and the only aggressive fish in that tank.

Has will been broke?

 

[Miles]

The fish already existing in the tank will usually win in a territory dispute due to the new fish being stressed from being moved.

Take them both out for a bit and put them in at the same time.. might have better luck, but the bottom dwelling sharks are pretty intolerant of each other, especially when larger.

 

[nfored]

Thats whats strange as the rainbow is bigger then the redtail, and the rainbow was always the king. well anyways I wont risk there health by keeping them together, I think a 21x21x20 tank should be big enough for the rainbow to live in. I just hopes he starts moving I am really worried.

 

[nfored]

So every one thinks this is normal, I mean its just guppies and a neon and a baby platty. He has not moved for real in days, he is alive and moves forward or backwards maybe an inch.

 

[Lupin]

The fish already existing in the tank will usually win in a territory dispute due to the new fish being stressed from being moved.

Take them both out for a bit and put them in at the same time.. might have better luck, but the bottom dwelling sharks are pretty intolerant of each other, especially when larger.

 

[Lupin]

So every one thinks this is normal, I mean its just guppies and a neon and a baby platty. He has not moved for real in days, he is alive and moves forward or backwards maybe an inch.

I think he is still under stress. Best not move him around anymore. Let him settle in your 30g permanently.

 

[nfored]

I think he is still under stress. Best not move him around anymore. Let him settle in your 30g permanently.

That was the plan to let him stay there, but I was just worried about him, going from so active to dang near lifeless. Thanks everyone for your advice.

I learn every day.