Discus fighting and social behavior

[Dave_Discus]

Ok since the fiasco....all are alive and eating in my 125.
I have pulled most of the plants and created some open space
at both ends of the tank. Big driftwood in center covered in Java Fern.

Lots of room.

In the 55 the new Discus all loved each other...they all followeda big turq
around and went where he did. No fighting whatsoever.

Upon the transplant to the 125....An existing BSS started in on the new guys
the two turqs mainly. He does not want anyone near the Dragon who was his only Discus tankmate. Now...everyone is in a bad mood picking at each other.

I can't stand it. I thought a re-arrange and WC would do it.

If I take the BSS out will it end? This will be a monumental task to catch him.

[Greg Richardson]

Leave them together. This is normal. As long as a fish doesn't have wounds from being picked on let them settle it.
This is part of keeping discus.
It will get better in time.

[Dave_Discus]

Thanks for making me feel better. I have never has more than
2 Discus at a time until recently. So I am not used to the group
behavior.

I am developing a dislike for a particular fish though.:mad:

[White Worm]

If you remove the bully, another will take its place. They are cichlids and they will show agression for a number of reasons. Its normal so get used to the World of Discus, lol. As long as no real damage occurs, you have nothing to worry about.

[Dave_Discus]

Feeling even better....

I have never wanted to choke a fish....but man BSS is a jerk!!

[White Worm]

Its kind of funny but I'll bet if you removed the "Jerk"....your current nicest discus would become the next in line to be choked, lol. Its a balance but its fun.

[Dave_Discus]

Ok the majority of aggresion has ceased. They all grouped up and are ALL
hanging together and swimming close...kinda follow the leader.

My largest fish a Dragon..existing tank inhabitant...has been swimming
100 times more in the open with the group than ever before. She WAS
lonely. She has been doing alot of swimming from bottom to top and back down again...is she trying to lure a mate?

[swinters66]

I have 5 discus in a 58 gallon...and sometimes they pick on each other...chasing one off here...another will chase one off there....They settle down after a bit, but I too get concerned with this behavior. The last 2 times I noticed this behavior was after I fed them....maybe that has something to do with it. I don't know.

By the way...what is a BSS?

[Dave_Discus]

BSS= Big sack of ...kidding...Blue Snake Skin. I see people abbreviate
fish names...so I adopted the practice.


I did more plant removal and trimming...moved a driftwood...took off
the black background.

Everyone is getting along much better...did a WC tonight and they all were
grouped up. Without the background...my tank looks so much better.

[poconogal]

I have 5 discus in a 58 gallon...and sometimes they pick on each other...chasing one off here...another will chase one off there....They settle down after a bit, but I too get concerned with this behavior. The last 2 times I noticed this behavior was after I fed them....maybe that has something to do with it. I don't know.

By the way...what is a BSS?

Stephanie, mine are all at their absolute worst immediately after feeding. I think since they like to graze, they are chasing each other away from whatever food may be around. Its either that, or they have more energy to be nasty after eating! LOL But that's what Cichlids do.

Connie