I have three Perseai cichlids in 180g that are ~10mo old and range from 5-7". The middle sized one has started chasing the other two occasionally. It isn't all the time but regularly enough that I see it happen. I don't have any sight breaks in the tank (finding 60" driftwood aint easy). At what point is it worrisome enough that I should look into rehoming the bully?
When is scrapping/dominance behavior unhealthy?
- Thread starter rvadog
- Start date
It's up to you to determine when to rehome the bully. How much damage are you willing to see the other 2 take and for how long? How long do you mind the others being chased?
I haven't found sight breaks that helpful in aggression since the "bullied' are no longer comfortable enough to swim throughout the aquarium. At best, the aquarium is "divided" and no one strays into the other's territory. At worst, the bully eventually kills the others.
I haven't found sight breaks that helpful in aggression since the "bullied' are no longer comfortable enough to swim throughout the aquarium. At best, the aquarium is "divided" and no one strays into the other's territory. At worst, the bully eventually kills the others.
Agree
A 180 is quite a small tank when it comes to cichlids like pearsei, or bocourti.
I had my first trio of pearsei in a similar size tank, and found it lacking enough territory to hold aggression to a non-lethal level, so they had to be moved to a 300 gal.
Agree with both of the above.
When is it "unhealthy"? Well, if one fish begins to cause physical damage to another...or causes stress by chasing...it's already unhealthy. It is only going to get worse.
Considering the size of the tank and the eventual size of the fish, it might be advisable to re-home the two largest and keep the smallest. It'll still be crowded even with one full-size adult within a year or so.
When is it "unhealthy"? Well, if one fish begins to cause physical damage to another...or causes stress by chasing...it's already unhealthy. It is only going to get worse.
Considering the size of the tank and the eventual size of the fish, it might be advisable to re-home the two largest and keep the smallest. It'll still be crowded even with one full-size adult within a year or so.
I'm not seeing injuries or damage, all fish are eating etc. but I'm also fine with rehoming. I already have an ad up on my local aquarium society forum. I never intended to keep all three, the goal was to pair down to one as they got bigger. I guess time to start pairing now.