DISCUS - Question re: Aggressive behavior by Dominant Alpha

[wesleydnunder]

As stated, with a group of juvies growing out you're gonna have one rise to the alpha position. That's the way they're wired. The last group of juvies I raised one became so aggressive he actually got named Bully and called "Mean-***". Even so, the others grew to full adult size and accepted the situation. If you get rid of the fish another will take his place. The new alpha may be just as bad. You may try spot feeding the others if he's pushing them away from the food to make sure they get enough to eat.

Mark

 

[discuspaul]

Aggressive alpha discus

To Mark - Wesleydunder
Thanks for your comments.
Good news that your other fish survived your really aggressive discus' bullying - there's hope for me then, if I leave him in with the others.
Mine really doesn't bother the others during feeding - he's too busy getting his own share - & the others get theirs too. It's just the rest of the time when they're just lolling about - & it's not just one portion of the tank he appears to be defending, or keeping others away from - it's the whole tank.
The others always do manage to elude him/her, without damage, & stick around - they don't hide much & if so, not for long - so maybe it's not bothering them immensely.
Emile

 

[Sportsnutim]

I've dealt with aggressive discus in my 55 gallon. The best way I found was up to eight most around the same size no more than 4 inches long. I had really good luck not any more than that. Or I moved the one aggressive one usually another one took over the aggressive role.