DISCUS - Question re: Aggressive behavior by Dominant Alpha

Remedying aggressive behavior by a dominant discus

  • Remove him from the group of 6 ?

    Votes: 2 25.0%

  • Temporarily separate him from the others ? How long?

    Votes: 1 12.5%

  • Return him to the seller & exchange ?

    Votes: 1 12.5%

  • Other ways ? What ?

    Votes: 4 50.0%
  • Total voters
    8
  • Poll closed .
discuspaul

discuspaul

AC Members
Jun 22, 2010
921
51
31
Surrey, B.C. Canada (Vancouver)
Real Name
Paul
I'm maintaining 6 juvenile discus in a planted growout tank (fish sizes - 2 & 1/2" to 3 " & 1/2"). Fish doing well & growing nicely. Everything OK for first 2-3 months, until a red melon grew larger/ faster than the others & has become a dominating "bully", chasing all others incessantly & no doubt creating stress - although no real damage appears to be being done. Any good suggestions on steps that could be taken to alter this behavior ?
 
A little bullying and determining the pecking order is normal for discus. If it's non-stop, it'll be non-stop even if you give him a time out in a separate tank for a while. Been there...done that. I've only ever had one serious bully that needed to be rehomed. Constant stress and relentless bullying could have a very negative and detrimental affect on the other young discus.
 
They're in a 55 gal. Don't believe they're overcrowded yet - but at the rate they're growing, I know I'll have to downsize, or get a larger tank in the near future.
Water parameters are always excellent - I do frequent, large w/c's & maintain pristine tank conditions, with crystal clear water. PH 6.8 - temp. 86 F. - Nitrates - < 5.
Any suggestions ?
 
No, that's what my juvies are in. Mine all fight a bit sometimes but no 1 bully. I've read if you get rid of 1 bully another may just take it's place. Are the fish all getting enough to eat? Maybe rearrange the tank so the bully can have a visual territory & the others a safe zone or 2.
I have a bare tank with 2 potted plants, 1 of the bigger discus sometimes defends an end from everyone except it's special friend or 2. But it's also the sleeping end for all, like kids, "mom, he's touching me!"
 
Thanks, Debbi,
I'm well aware that a little bullying & a pecking order is normal for discus - but this behavior has gone well beyond that. Also know that relentless bullying (That's exactly what it is) is very stressful & can/will have a detrimental effect. Was looking for any reasonable solution, if any, short of re-homing premanently.
 
Thanks for your comments.
I'm feeding a varied diet 2-3 times a day & am certain they're getting enough to eat, judging by their growth to date.
Have tried changing the 'scenery', and there are several "safe" hiding zones, which are being well utilized. As I said to Debbi, I'm just looking (perhaps too wishfully) for another solution, if any, short of re-homing permanently.
 
emile
you can try all the possibles but ultimately, you will need to keep a close eye out.
Unfortunately, there are some fish that are extremely aggressive and you may just have to remove that fish.
 
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