Angel picking on Clown Loach

[lauralou]

I currently have 3 clown loaches, 1 angel, and 3 headlight/tailight tetras in a 3 month old tank. They are in a 20gal high waiting for there 55gal to be setup. Anyway, I witnessed my Angel literally ramming in to one of my loaches, which she is continuing to do. My loach is not defending himself at all and will swim off and hide. He is not graying out over this but I am sure it must be stressfull. Why is this happening, and what should I do? I've done some research, but most articles etc... place the Clown Loach as the aggressor.

[Blue]

Angels are cichlids so they have various personalities.

[shari2]

Blue is right, some angels are more aggressive than others. Generally, they will direct their aggression at their own species but in the absence of other angels, an aggressively inclined solo angel will find someone else to harass.

[lauralou]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have been visiting this sight from day one,(that is the first day I got my loaches), and it has been most helpful. Anyway, should I worry? I mean, can my Loach defend himself if necessary? It has been so peaceful these last few months. My Angel does run the show, however. There has never been much interest in other fish. Well not since the mysteriously disappearing neons...yeah I know better now. Research, research, research, and then enjoy!

[Blue]

You might find it best to remove the angelfish in times when another angel is not available. Constant bullying can lead to stress and eventually death if the angel repeats the process.