Clowns are upsetting my silver dollars--and me!

[franmorr1966]

I originally posted on the fish treatment/freshwater forum about one of my six silver dollars who mysteriously lost his pec fins. Otherwise he is completely healthy.

I've been paying closer attention to the activity in my tank and I see the culprits--the CLOWNS--four of them. Why the hell have they decided to harass the silver dollars now? They're just not picking on "stubby", the pec-less silver, but any of them.

I've been over feeding just to keep them away from the silver dollars, but it seems the more they eat the more they want. I also I may have to face the fact that they could be outgrowing the 55 gallon. I have 6 medium sized silver dollars and 4 medium to small clowns along with a handful of cherry barbs and tetras.

Any ideas to ward off this behavior? Thank you.

[chefkeith]

Sounds like there needs to be a change. The clowns probably want and need a little bit more of everything. The clowns are probably tired of being out numbered by the silver dollars. The clowns probably don't like seeing other fish hog up their food and taking up their space.

I'm always for a species set-up specifically for clown loaches. That would be a tank with a large footprint, high water flow, high oxygen, a soft sandy bottom, low lighting, lots of caves, and extreme filtration. Most importantly, get more loaches, they'll do better with more fish of their own kind.

My loaches get a special treat each night on top of their regular feedings, like some cocktail shrimp, fresh cod, or clams on the half shell. If mine don't get that special treat regularly, they will cause some trouble.

[franmorr1966]

Hi Keith.

In my ideal world of fish tanks, I'd have a loach tank--I'd be happy with just clowns and yoyos (and a red tail shark).

Believe me, the clowns rule the roost. The silver dollars swim on egg shells around the clowns. My clowns even feed from the surface. I really don't think that's the issue. I think space is the issue.

I have taken steps into solving my problem....post to come shortly.

Thank you for your input; it's appreciated. I'm sure your loaches are very lucky.