I have a pretty big tank (125 gal) with 2 oscars, 3 small convicts and now a new 4inch red devil. Today I traded my friend a convict for the devil because I've never owned one before. I may get flammed for posting this, and if you guys want to rip me a new one for being ignorant on the red devils go for it. BUT, I've owned alot of cichlids...dempseys, terrors, oscars, convicts, rams, etc. And the red devil is by far the most f***ed up fish I've ever owned. I put it in the tank today and it seemed to be doing fine. But now that it's used to everything it non stop trys to attack my convicts. The oscars are lefts alone (both 8+ inches) but this is going on non stop. Are devils really this much of an ***hole fish? I dont want to get rid of it, its really a gorgeous fish. Do I have any options on getting this thing to calm down? My water temp is mid 80's if that would have anything to do with its aggression? I was thinking of setting up my 55 gal and leaving it byitself... Any devil owners here please give me advise. I should have read up more about these things, but they say the same about everyfish it seems. I've never had this much aggression from a fish, even my old wolf fish.... what the hell do I do!?!?!?!? The cons are about 3 inches and they have plenty of hiding spots and caves (lava rock) but the devil is literally tearing the rocks apart trying to get to my cons. the devil is only an inch bigger! what is going on????
HELP! new fish is terrorizing my tank!
- Thread starter Jackall
- Start date
That type of behavior is normal for a Devil and I doubt the current situation will improve. I think you are going to have to decide which fish you like best. The Oscars will probably get harrased as time goes on. If I were you I would take the Devil back or if you have another tank you could put it in there and if not start looking on CL and buy another tank to house the Devil in.
Yep, thats a Red Devil for you. I once had a 55g full of Mbuna that I lost during a winter storm. After that I went the RD route and learned first had the pain and pleasure that comes with keeing these beauties. He now is solo, I cant even add a Pleco..But I wouldent trade him for anything and he had really flowered being solo.
First pic is him in his tank.
Second is a close up of him and his beauty.
First pic is him in his tank.
Second is a close up of him and his beauty.
Devils arent A-holes, we create the situation not them, they are amazing fish if their needs are met and housed properly. You are correct you should have researched before getting it, but it is what it is, and the points already made here are valid. This fish will take the entire tank, right now its focused on eliminating the Cons because their territory is what it wants and they are viewed as the most direct competition at the moment. Once the cons are eliminated and they will be; guess where its going next? Im not being nasty so please dont take it that way Im just pointing out what will happen not what might happen.
Thanks for the replys, I figured this was going to happen. I woke up today and fed my fish and the devil was actually acting normal and not chasing anything, being real mellow. But I'm not going to test it. Hopefully he lets the cons live for another week so I can pick up the new filter for the 55. Aquanero, I know devils arent a-holes, but I was just ranting because I didn't want the cons to get destroyed.
From everything mentioned above, I'm sure you already know your options. If you want to keep your current stock, remove the RD. Devote a solo tank to it or find it another home. My Midevil is my favorite fish. He grows like a weed and is very active. He is also aggressive. This is why he lives alone. I wouldn't dare put him with my other stock. RD can work with much larger tanks with comparably large and aggressive cichlids. But this is not always the case. 9 out of 10 times, most people will get a bruiser like yours.
you should see my thread man
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=383856
and he still not completely adjusted to my tank so he might get meaner.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=383856
and he still not completely adjusted to my tank so he might get meaner.
I dont know how long you have been keeping fish but you show that you have some experience with other cichlids. i dont think you should worry about being flamed because you didnt know in advance that on a scale of 1 to 10 relative to the fish you have a red devils aggression can be a 15. they can be relentless in taking on any size fish. The red devil is the terminator of the cichlid hobby in any tank less than about double your 125 with the same type fish.As mentioned already the can be geat as solo (but also possible to keep in pairs in the right setting).i give you credit for posting your problem...plus it seems you didnt have any fatalities yet..follow the advice already given in those first 4 replies but also you should get a divider in the short run to prevent any losses until you decide what you want to do .... good luck.
Put him solo.
Enjoy it as a wet pet, ,his glass banger personality and the way he will interact with you.
Enjoy it as a wet pet, ,his glass banger personality and the way he will interact with you.