Senegals Chase Each Other

[jeffthefish]

Last night I bought an albino bichir (senegal, as near as I can tell) to add to my 100 gallon tank. The albino is about 5.5", and there were already a 4" senegal and 3" ornate. I didn't realize how much bigger the albino was until I got her home and saw her next to the senegal. I was worried the albino would be a bully, but actually the smaller senegal chases around the larger. As far as I know, they are too young to be sexually mature, but it looks for all the world like a male dog chasing a female in heat. The smaller senegal occasionally nips the tail of the albino, though I haven't seen any actual damage come from it. They both leave the ornate alone.

Any thoughts? I thought they were not nippy among themselves. Now I'm wondering if everything I believe has been wrong this whole time.

Ok, not really. I'm just trying to initiate discussion!

 

[dougefresh]

it could just be they are being territorial to the new albino........................

 

[beblondie]

They're just settling in they should be fine in a cpl days-Anne

 

[messiner]

ive seen my senegul and ornate (both about 6in) square off and go head to tail then "dance" as i can best describe it. its all about the territory.

 

[jeffthefish]

Thanks, guys! I've read everything I could find on the internet about Polys, and this is the first I've heard about territoriality.

So I should expect some squabbles for a couple days, and then they should calm down? Are they trying to establish dominance, perhaps?

 

[beblondie]

They should be fine in a day or two -Anne

 

[tempest_brood1]

how far will bichirs go with regards to being territorial? will they kill others?