Syncrossus observation

[Tinman]

Having kept Syncrossus for many years I had always had to give each enough room so as to reduce squabbles which are quite intense with these aggressive loaches. Leaving enough territory always meant 3 to 4 max in a very large tank or the weakest would eventually be beat down and that still would occur if the decor was not re arranged numerous times a year.
After visiting Emma and Steve's store I saw the Tigers kept together enmass,literally lying upon one another and the fighting was minimal. I then decided to come home and condense many fish into on tank based on this observation of such professional fish keepers tactics.This is much the way Africans cichlids are kept to reduce fighting.I placed 50 in a 55 gallon, or what is really a 50 gallon 4 foot tank. This worked to reduce skirmishes but has had other ill effects. Once settled I placed enough hidey holes for all to be comfortable but what has happened is the weaker fish will not come out to feed very long for what I consider for lack of a better description losing their spot. This meant they would only eat a bite or two the retire to secure the hidey hole of choice so then more and more would retire as the rooms filled up. The after effects are several fish lost some weight while the stronger fish gained and became stronger.
I have now placed them in a larger tank although I added 12 more I hope to see more and longer duration eating by the weaker of the group. Last night this occured so I hope it will be a trend. In the larger tank the Alpha's are not able to dominate an entire area so by feeding at both ends last night the tormented would move away from the larger fish and continue to eat as opposed to retiring after just a nibble. I watched contently last night as most if not all had pot bellys after feeding on shrimp for over an hour. I hope I have improved my fishes existance and some of you may learn as I have from my perils with these rambunctious and very aggressive type fish.

[chefkeith]

They don't like to give up their hidey holes like how people don't like to give up their favorite seat. I hate sitting in the middle of couch, but it beats sitting on the floor though. It's nice having atleast one arm rest.