Bitten schistura

[mikev]

I just noticed a large scratch on a side of one of mine (1x2 mm), which is near certain the work of some other fish (could be a scratch on a driftwood too, but imho less likely).

While it does not appear dangerous, I'd like to find out who is creating problems. The fish in the tank was not changed for several months (nobody died, no new fish) and I did not see any fights, so this is a bit of a puzzle.

No obvious candidates.

Tankmates include:
Giant Danios (3") -- never saw aggressive danios.
Clowns (3"-4") -- I think if a clown did it, schistura would be dead, or in much worse shape...Still, they are the primary candidates (random damage during feeding? -- they can be quite pushy).
Kubotais (<=2") ??
Common Pleco (10") -- his mouth is nearly 2cm, I don't think he can do small wounds.
Other schisturas -- this is a <=2" species, assumed S.Poculi (very similar to S.Mahnerti is the pattern, but smaller, and so far not aggressive).

Schisturas were quite active lately, as the temp in the tank came down, but I did not see anything ever except for non-contact chases.

If you can guess the source of trouble, this would be great; I should be able to move the fish around soon (new tank). If not, a specific question: these guys are very similar to Mahnerti's in pattern...could anyone who kept Mahnerti or a similar species say what kind of damage they inflict on each other? Body bites?

(Really funny: this has to happen a day after I praised non-aggressive small schisturas...)

[Graeme Robson]

Perhaps one of them 'aggravated' the Kubotai? I remember your two are quite 'feisty' yea?

[mikev]

Hmm, this actually makes sense. I'll watch them more. Thanks.

(The really feisty ones are mistreating yoyo's in another tank...I thought the ones in this were only into chasing...maybe they grew up)