Fighting clowns.....

[titus]

I have a problem with which I need help!

WE originally had 3 clown loaches but sadly 2 of them died after a year - leaving one. Now this one has been on its own for about 6 months and looked quite ok with it. We were told at a fish shop that loaches, although sociable, can manage on their own.

Now recently we were told that clowns really do enjoy the company of others, and can even be depressed if on their own! So late this afternoon, we got 2 more - both about the same size as our old one.

They got on for about 2 mins. Since then the old one has been fighting the new ones - chasing them about and even trying to bite them. (There are no external marks that I can see at this time). Obviously though there must be quite some stress.

So far I have added food with no benefit.

Are they going to get over this once territories are established? Or is it hopeless, and the best thing is for them to be separated tonight (via a large 6litre floating bag in the tank - I do not have a proper quarantine facility ) and returned to the shop tomorrow.

PS my tank is 180litres with lots of silk plants and a rock arch and 2 caves.

Thanks

Titus

[mikev]

Almost certainly, they are going to get over this once the hierarchy (not territory) has been established. This may take a couple of days.

Generally, one should keep at least five clowns (and most other loaches), the more, the better.

I hope you do realize that your tank is too small to keep even one clown long-term, you will need to start planning a larger one.

Not quarantining new clowns puts you in a serious danger of spreading a disease, usually ich, but possibly something else. Watch them carefully for a couple of weeks for disease signs.

hth

[titus]

Thanks for the reassurance...

Regarding size of tank: we will be moving house in 2-3 years - if not less (this will be bigger, thankfully) and we will be getting a tank at least twice this size.....fortunately they grow slowly so I hope this will not be a problem!)

Titus