Fighting Angelfish

[Jolly Fisherman]

I have 5 Angels in a 55gal tank. 3 zebras, 1 marble, & 1 golden. All
are healthy but are nasty SOB's. The marble & golden are especially
good looking & aggressive. The zebras are also nasty but often take a
beating (chunks missing from their sides).

When they're not fighting they're lining up to beg for food. They all
eat like pigs. I think I might have all or mostly males.

Could this be because I've mixed & matched angel types?
or is it just too much testosterone?
overstocking or poor aquascaping?

Any suggestions on who to remove (or not) and how to create some
order?

TIA

[Koi-Lo]

Because your an asshole thats why. Flush them all and sellthe
tank.....its frutile keeping fish without spening lots of time and
money to do so......

On Thu, 08 Jun 2006 03:02:07 GMT, Jolly Fisherman >
wrote:
>><>I have 5 Angels in a 55gal tank. 3 zebras, 1 marble, & 1 golden. All
>><>are healthy but are nasty SOB's. The marble & golden are especially
>><>good looking & aggressive. The zebras are also nasty but often take a
>><>beating (chunks missing from their sides).
>><>
>><>When they're not fighting they're lining up to beg for food. They all
>><>eat like pigs. I think I might have all or mostly males.
>><>
>><>Could this be because I've mixed & matched angel types?
>><>or is it just too much testosterone?
>><>overstocking or poor aquascaping?
>><>
>><>Any suggestions on who to remove (or not) and how to create some
>><>order?
>><>
>><>TIA

[Jolly Fisherman]

* PLONK ! *

[Lákáwáná]

bye dude....hehehehehehehe come back when you can stay
longer............but please wash first if you choose to return


On Thu, 08 Jun 2006 21:46:33 GMT, Jolly Fisherman >
wrote:
>><>
>><>* PLONK ! *

[bassett]

"Jolly Fisherman" > wrote in message
...
>I have 5 Angels in a 55gal tank. 3 zebras, 1 marble, & 1 golden. All
> are healthy but are nasty SOB's. The marble & golden are especially
> good looking & aggressive. The zebras are also nasty but often take a
> beating (chunks missing from their sides).
>
> When they're not fighting they're lining up to beg for food. They all
> eat like pigs. I think I might have all or mostly males.
>
> Could this be because I've mixed & matched angel types?
> or is it just too much testosterone?
> overstocking or poor aquascaping?
>
> Any suggestions on who to remove (or not) and how to create some
> order?
>
> TIA

Cut right back on the high protein food,, and just feed them "Flakes"

[Jolly Fisherman]

On Fri, 9 Jun 2006 11:43:31 +1000, "bassett"
> wrote:


>Cut right back on the high protein food,, and just feed them "Flakes"

Yes. I've been feeding them exclusively good quality high protein
food. Will start adjusting that today. Thanks.

I've also moved the worst fighters to a different tank, although I'm
not happy about that being a permanent solution.


Do you think adding target fish make any sense?

Are there any particular guides you'd recommend that explain dealing
with aggressions?


Thanks for sticking with the group despite all the noise.

[bassett]

"Jolly Fisherman" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 9 Jun 2006 11:43:31 +1000, "bassett"
> > wrote:
>
>
>>Cut right back on the high protein food,, and just feed them "Flakes"
>
> Yes. I've been feeding them exclusively good quality high protein
> food. Will start adjusting that today. Thanks.
>
> I've also moved the worst fighters to a different tank, although I'm
> not happy about that being a permanent solution.
>
>
> Do you think adding target fish make any sense?
>
> Are there any particular guides you'd recommend that explain dealing
> with aggressions?
>
>
> Thanks for sticking with the group despite all the noise.

Most fish do strike a balance, or a feeding order, and once it's
established,, Everything will go along fine, but if you shift fish around
you upset that balance, then you have to wait for it to re-establish.

But I think the quality of the food is the answer to a peaceful tank, others
might have another solution.. I remember years ago, I thought I would have
a go at cichlids, and no matter what I did, I always ended up with a tank
full of ONE, due to high protein food
bassett

[Jolly Fisherman]

On Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:50:34 +1000, "bassett"
> wrote:

>> Thanks for sticking with the group despite all the noise.
>
>Most fish do strike a balance, or a feeding order, and once it's
>established,, Everything will go along fine, but if you shift fish around
>you upset that balance, then you have to wait for it to re-establish.

Well that's the problem. It seemed the balance was deteriorating.
stand-offs and attacks were getting more prolonged and vicious. My
most valuable golden who used to be able to throw his weight around is
no longer the clear & decisive intimidator against the fast-growing
marble. It's hard for me to sit on my hands when I dropped >$25 on
the very handsome Golden.

Simply moving the 2 nastiest before any other changes were done
resulted in 2 instantly peaceful tanks. To a newbie this looks like a
great band aid. But I get you point. For one thing the move seems a
little stressful for the marble.

>But I think the quality of the food is the answer to a peaceful tank, others
>might have another solution.. I remember years ago, I thought I would have
>a go at cichlids, and no matter what I did, I always ended up with a tank
>full of ONE, due to high protein food
> bassett
>

I really appreciate the tip. This is very interesting.

I also have read high temp also can exacerbate aggression. Tank was
81F. So I'm lowering it a little.

I think possibly another contributor is my plants are extremely
overgrown and the fish have gotten much bigger. It looks to me like
there are a few territories & safe places but not enough for all the
fish. A lot of fumbling into fights. Perhaps this is why removing 2
seemed to help instantly?

I'm probably screwing everything up moving them around and not having
time to take care of my plants (or maybe the plants & space have
nothing to do with it) but I've been planning on overhauling the
aquascape anyway. Hopefully it will eventually be a good thing to
shake things up before someone gets seriously hurt- and after the dust
settles a healthy balance will restore after everyone established new
territories and pecking order.

If their reunion is poor, should I consider target fish later? Frankly
I don't want 2 angel tanks right now, or to put down healthy fish, or
the injuries or disease than can occur by letting nature take its
course.

Thanks again.

[Big Dummy]

What a prick

""Koi-Lo" " > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Because your an asshole thats why. Flush them all and sellthe
> tank.....its frutile keeping fish without spening lots of time and
> money to do so......
>

[-Roy-]

On Sun, 11 Jun 2006 14:32:10 GMT, "Big Dummy" >

I agree, Carol Gulley aka Koi lo is not knon for her compassion or
correct answers....


wrote:
>><>What a prick
>><>
>><>""Koi-Lo" " > wrote in message :
>><>>
>><>>
>><>> Because your an asshole thats why. Flush them all and sellthe
>><>> tank.....its frutile keeping fish without spening lots of time and
>><>> money to do so......
>><>>
>><>

[bassett]

"Jolly Fisherman" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:50:34 +1000, "bassett"
> > wrote:
>
>>> Thanks for sticking with the group despite all the noise.
>>
>>Most fish do strike a balance, or a feeding order, and once it's
>>established,, Everything will go along fine, but if you shift fish around
>>you upset that balance, then you have to wait for it to re-establish.
>
> Well that's the problem. It seemed the balance was deteriorating.
> stand-offs and attacks were getting more prolonged and vicious. My
> most valuable golden who used to be able to throw his weight around is
> no longer the clear & decisive intimidator against the fast-growing
> marble. It's hard for me to sit on my hands when I dropped >$25 on
> the very handsome Golden.
>
> Simply moving the 2 nastiest before any other changes were done
> resulted in 2 instantly peaceful tanks. To a newbie this looks like a
> great band aid. But I get you point. For one thing the move seems a
> little stressful for the marble.
>
>>But I think the quality of the food is the answer to a peaceful tank,
>>others
>>might have another solution.. I remember years ago, I thought I would
>>have
>>a go at cichlids, and no matter what I did, I always ended up with a tank
>>full of ONE, due to high protein food
>> bassett
>>
>
> I really appreciate the tip. This is very interesting.
>
> I also have read high temp also can exacerbate aggression. Tank was
> 81F. So I'm lowering it a little.
>
> I think possibly another contributor is my plants are extremely
> overgrown and the fish have gotten much bigger. It looks to me like
> there are a few territories & safe places but not enough for all the
> fish. A lot of fumbling into fights. Perhaps this is why removing 2
> seemed to help instantly?
>
> I'm probably screwing everything up moving them around and not having
> time to take care of my plants (or maybe the plants & space have
> nothing to do with it) but I've been planning on overhauling the
> aquascape anyway. Hopefully it will eventually be a good thing to
> shake things up before someone gets seriously hurt- and after the dust
> settles a healthy balance will restore after everyone established new
> territories and pecking order.
>
> If their reunion is poor, should I consider target fish later? Frankly
> I don't want 2 angel tanks right now, or to put down healthy fish, or
> the injuries or disease than can occur by letting nature take its
> course.
>
> Thanks again.

If you feel you want to trim the weed // plants have you considered
getting a couple of "Silver Dollars" they get on well with Angels, and are
herbivores,, So they will trim down the plants, without any disturbance,, it
will also help them to grow.. I used to feed mine a "Silver beet" //
"Spinach'' Leaf,, Just stick the stork in the gravel, and they will munch
away, before they attack your plants..
bassett

[Jolly Fisherman]

> If you feel you want to trim the weed // plants have you considered
>getting a couple of "Silver Dollars" they get on well with Angels, and are
>herbivores,, So they will trim down the plants, without any disturbance,, it
>will also help them to grow.. I used to feed mine a "Silver beet" //
>"Spinach'' Leaf,, Just stick the stork in the gravel, and they will munch
>away, before they attack your plants..
> bassett
>

I thought they might destroy the plants. Interesting. Thanks

[Glassman]

"Jolly Fisherman" > wrote in message
...
> I have 5 Angels in a 55gal tank. 3 zebras, 1 marble, & 1 golden. All
> are healthy but are nasty SOB's. The marble & golden are especially
> good looking & aggressive. The zebras are also nasty but often take a
> beating (chunks missing from their sides).
>
> When they're not fighting they're lining up to beg for food. They all
> eat like pigs. I think I might have all or mostly males.
>
> Could this be because I've mixed & matched angel types?
> or is it just too much testosterone?
> overstocking or poor aquascaping?
>
> Any suggestions on who to remove (or not) and how to create some
> order?
>
> TIA

Angels are ravenous by nature. You should see them dart like lazar beams
after newborn fry. Just let them be, and enjoy them as they are. My Severums
grow larger than Angels but are quite docile. Want to trade?


--

JK Sinrod
www.sinrodstudios.com
www.MyConeyIslandMemories.com

[Jolly Fisherman]

On Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:33:25 -0400, "Glassman" >
wrote:

> Angels are ravenous by nature. You should see them dart like lazar beams
>after newborn fry. Just let them be, and enjoy them as they are.

LOL. There's also a breeding pair of opaline gouramis in the tank.
Their spawn don't stand a chance in there. That's fine by me. I
don't need more fish. They make the poor male's head spin with their
blitzkrieg attack.

I wouldn't get too involved if it was just occasional darting,
chasing, & intimidating. It's just a little too much for my taste
lately. I'm really just concerned one of my favorites will get sick
or permanently mangled. The missing scales and scratches have, so
far, always been growing back & healing. (knock wood)

> My Severums
>grow larger than Angels but are quite docile. Want to trade?

That's a very interesting proposition as I've yet to see anyone
selling them locally. But I'm a little afraid of trading an
aggression problem for their vegetarian tenancies. Do you keep them
with plants?

[Glassman]

"Jolly Fisherman" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:33:25 -0400, "Glassman" >
> wrote:
>
> > Angels are ravenous by nature. You should see them dart like lazar
beams
> >after newborn fry. Just let them be, and enjoy them as they are.
>
> That's a very interesting proposition as I've yet to see anyone
> selling them locally. But I'm a little afraid of trading an
> aggression problem for their vegetarian tenancies. Do you keep them
> with plants?


They're just gentle by nature. I stopped keeping plants ages ago. Too
much trouble for me.


--

JK Sinrod
www.sinrodstudios.com
www.MyConeyIslandMemories.com

[bobc]

Could it be breeding behaviour? Angels are usually not that
aggressive, unless perhaps it's reproductively related?
Also, my experience with silver dollars and planted tanks is that the
silver dollars will eat most every plant down to the gravel!
Bob
Jolly Fisherman wrote:
> I have 5 Angels in a 55gal tank. 3 zebras, 1 marble, & 1 golden. All
> are healthy but are nasty SOB's. The marble & golden are especially
> good looking & aggressive. The zebras are also nasty but often take a
> beating (chunks missing from their sides).
>
> When they're not fighting they're lining up to beg for food. They all
> eat like pigs. I think I might have all or mostly males.
>
> Could this be because I've mixed & matched angel types?
> or is it just too much testosterone?
> overstocking or poor aquascaping?
>
> Any suggestions on who to remove (or not) and how to create some
> order?
>
> TIA

[bassett]

"bobc" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> Could it be breeding behaviour? Angels are usually not that
> aggressive, unless perhaps it's reproductively related?
> Also, my experience with silver dollars and planted tanks is that the
> silver dollars will eat most every plant down to the gravel!
> Bob
> Jolly Fisherman wrote:
>> I have 5 Angels in a 55gal tank. 3 zebras, 1 marble, & 1 golden. All
>> are healthy but are nasty SOB's. The marble & golden are especially
>> good looking & aggressive. The zebras are also nasty but often take a
>> beating (chunks missing from their sides).
>>
>> When they're not fighting they're lining up to beg for food. They all
>> eat like pigs. I think I might have all or mostly males.
>>
>> Could this be because I've mixed & matched angel types?
>> or is it just too much testosterone?
>> overstocking or poor aquascaping?
>>
>> Any suggestions on who to remove (or not) and how to create some
>> order?
>>
>> TIA
>
your right about silver dollars, simply because there herbivores,, So
what's the answer with Silver dollars and a planted tank. Easy, give them
something they like to eat and they will leave your plants alone,
Stick a Silver Beet // Spinish // Chinese cabbage leaf in the gravel, and
see what happens,, they will chew it to the gravel, next day new leaf, They
will also grow at a good rate with this food, and the bonus is the tank
stays planted.. They will ignore your low protein plants , in favour of
the high protein Spinish leaves.
bassett