sparing

[dylan2187]

2 of my 3 baby clowns keep sparing with each other. i thought that since i got an odd number itd be ok. should i add some more or what? right now they are in a 55 grow out when they get a little bigger they will go into a 235.
pic of one for size not sure if its one of the ones sparing

 

[kdrun76]

considering that they are a schooling species and 3 isn't a school.... I would think you would want more of them. Do you already have some in your big tank?

 

[dylan2187]

no just in the 55. how many more should i pick up? 2?

 

[kdrun76]

6 is considered the bare minimum for a school. Personally, the more the better. If you can do a school of 8 or 10, I would.

 

[dylan2187]

ok. i knew they were a schooling fish but i didnt want to overcrowd my growout because i have some keyhole's in there as well. ill pick some more up after my water change

 

[Crispy]

They're just determining the pecking order of the group. More loaches would spread out any aggression. The dominant one will eventually run the schoal and fighting will lessen to a minimum.

 

[QBert]

any excuse to buy more loaches!

 

[andyjs]

I had 4 and lost two, so for a while I just had a pair. I had to separate them because the one was being picked on so badly. Then I added 4 more and the 6 do great together

 

[JakeH]

They're just figuring out who gets to be on top! Don't worry too much about it, but the more Loaches, the better for everyone.