Aggressive Rainbowfish

[DoctorP]

I recently added a new rainbowfish to my tank with the following tankmates:
1 large old Marbled Angel
1 Kissing Gourami
1 Boesemani Rainbow (male)
2 Blue Paradise Fish
1 Clown Loach
2 Cory Cats
1 Pl*costomus
1 Pristella Tetra
3 Serpae Tetras

I can't identify exactly what type of Rainbow it is although it's similar to a Banded Rainbowfish. Since it's arrival the new Rainbow which is about 1/2 inch longer than the Boesemani insists on chasing the Boesemani when they get near each other. If they are separate they are fine, but if they get close the Banded chases the Boesemani. These aren't normally aggressive fish so I'm wondering what you all think the reason for this is? Is it a male/female thing? Do I need more Rainbows to mellow things out between the two of them?

Thanks

 

[Leopardess]

Rainbows are a schooling fish and if there aren't enough to disperse their "aggression" you will see it manifested in fin nipping, flaring etc.

It is also trying to establish who the boss is since it is larger than the other one. It is likely it is another male (look up goyder river rainbows, mel. trifasciata). If you have space (for several 4" fish), you should get more since they are indeed a schooling fish.

 

[DoctorP]

I was thinking that a couple others would help and I think my tank probably won't be overcrowded... Should I try to get more Boesemani? or more of the Banded kind?

 

[travislopez]

you know, i have one each of Boesemani and Goyder River and they love each other. they'll play, but never really be aggressive. if anything, my Boesemani likes chasing a couple of my Red-Eye Tetras. maybe it's just the exact specimen you have.

 

[DoctorP]

To add to this problem... I came home last night to see my Boesemani looking like it's got a case of ICH!!! All these spots on it's tail and fins and some on the body... not all white, some matching the colors of the fish... I'm concerned that the stress of being chased has let the Boesi get infected. At this point I don't know what to do. Take back the banded Rainbow? Get some more rainbows (which I planned to do anyways) and then treat the whole tank for ICH with higher temps and salt?