Fight Club! Juvenile Discus problems...

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J

justonemoretank

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 30, 2009
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Virginia
Hi everyone. As some of you may know, I've got six juvenile discus. They're in a 125 gallon community tank. So, when I bought these fish, I got all of these suggestions on what to do to better my chances of success. There are six, the water is kept warm, the Nitrates are kept below 10 (usually 5), I'm feeding these guys like five or six times a day. They eat from a spoon. They're piggy fish. They don't get bullied by anyone in the tank, even the Angels.

So, what's the problem, you ask? The little jerks have turned on each other. So much for six being the "magic number" when it comes to keeping Discus. I'm so tired of watching them chase each other around, nip at each other's tails, and generally be disagreeable that I want to send them to some sort of fish boot-camp like on the daytime talk shows. They don't even bother the other sixty-some odd fish in the tank. Just each other. So much for dithers.

So, any suggestions?
 
So is this going to affect their growth? I'm busting my butt to provide the best for them, despite the somewhat non-traditional way I'm trying to raise them. When I first posted, I was told aggression from the angels could be a problem -- obviously, it's not, but isn't it still a problem, no matter who's involved?

It seems that they have "Paired" off, with each set sort of acting as aggressors to the other. I know these likely aren't "mated" or "sexual" pairs at their young age -- is this normal? For each to have a buddy?

Sorry for so many questions, but I was under the impression that I would see so little aggression if I purchased six -- it's what all of my articles seemed to indicate -- and this is stressing me out (probably more than it's stressing the fish, no?).
 
It is perfectly normal behavior. The idea of getting 6 or more isn't less aggression, it is spreading the aggression out. If you only had 2, one would kill the other. They will spar as juvies to establish a pecking order. As they mature, they will mellow.....right up until a pair forms and then it starts again - the 2 defending their turf/ brood.
 
Thanks... I'll attempt to stop freaking out.

I hope to God none of them like each other and pair up.... maybe I lucked out and got all one sex.
 
sounds like you've got a bunch a happy healthy little discus there !
Well done .
Dont worry this is what should happen they are cichlids after all - just keep a eye out in case any sit at the back and not join in .
 
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