I've got a school (6) of Odessa Barbs in my 30 gallon long tank (2 Bolivian rams and 2 juvenile geophagus ~3-4" (yes I know they will get bigger) along with a school of 8 harlequin rasboras and 2 clown plecos). When I brought them home from the LFS a few months ago, I discovered that one was female and the other five are male. After a few weeks, they had clearly established their pecking order. There is one blood-red barb that swims in the open and chases off the others if tehy come out of hiding. The tank is medium-heavily planted so there are plenty of places to hide, but I'd like to see my fish! Occasionally, when the mood strikes him, he will allow the female to swim with him for a little while. If any other barbs come near him, he may tolerate them for a few seconds but will soon chase them until they hide.
I actually added the rasboras to help mellow the fish out. The rams and geos seem less skittish so it's worthwhile. I also like the rasboras very much. The Odessas are maybe a hair more tolerant of each other.
I can't really add more barbs. The tank is at capacity if not a bit overstocked (don't worry, it's running an Aquaclear 70 and a Fluval 306, and I do at least a 50% water change every week. Parameters are holding steady and the tank has been established around 7-8 months).
Would moving the female to another tank be wise? I'm wondering if the bright red coloration of the dominant barb is a sign of mating behavior and he might mellow out if he didn't have the female to pique his interest all the time. I haven't seen eggs or anything like that so it's not like they're accomplishing anything anyway. He will occasionally swim around her as if he is displaying himself or something but she appears not to care.
I actually added the rasboras to help mellow the fish out. The rams and geos seem less skittish so it's worthwhile. I also like the rasboras very much. The Odessas are maybe a hair more tolerant of each other.
I can't really add more barbs. The tank is at capacity if not a bit overstocked (don't worry, it's running an Aquaclear 70 and a Fluval 306, and I do at least a 50% water change every week. Parameters are holding steady and the tank has been established around 7-8 months).
Would moving the female to another tank be wise? I'm wondering if the bright red coloration of the dominant barb is a sign of mating behavior and he might mellow out if he didn't have the female to pique his interest all the time. I haven't seen eggs or anything like that so it's not like they're accomplishing anything anyway. He will occasionally swim around her as if he is displaying himself or something but she appears not to care.
