Aggressive percussion

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nixora
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Aggressive percussion

Post by nixora »

I'm having some issues with my percs, they're being super aggressive and bullying all the other fish in the tank. Is there anything I can do to manage their behavior?
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route4
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by route4 »

nixora wrote: Sat May 24, 2025 5:24 pm I'm having some issues with my percs, they're being super aggressive and bullying all the other fish in the tank. Is there anything I can do to manage their behavior?
Reducing the number of fish might help alleviate the aggression issue. To give you a better idea, could you tell me the volume of your main tank - just the tank itself, excluding any sumps or additional equipment? Also, what's the current fish population like in there?
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nixora
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by nixora »

130l tank, only 4 fish - 1 perc, 1 firtideflow, 1 pygmy cherub angel and 1 mandarin. At this rate, the perc will kill the firtideflow soon. I'm guessing it's time to dismantle the tank and take him back to the LFS.
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route4
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by route4 »

catch all the fish if possible, or separate them off into a section of the tank with egg crate. rearrange the rock work in the tank, give it a complete overhaul. introduce the mandarin and fire fish first, let them settle in. then add the angel, give it a bit of time to get used to its new surroundings. and about 30 mins after that, introduce the clown. this should, in theory, calm things down a bit. I'm curious, are you certain it's a perc and not a maroon, they can be pretty aggressive too.
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nixora
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by nixora »

Sold as a coflake sea percula, colour's totally off for a maroon, def not the same.
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rusticfox
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by rusticfox »

Another option could be to introduce a tankmate for your perc - either one that's noticeably smaller or a lot bigger. This might just do the trick, as they'll be more focused on each other, and they could even start to host in the tank, defending their own area rather than taking over the whole thing.
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rustyfox9
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by rustyfox9 »

I've considered route4's advice, but if the bullying persists, I'd be inclined to get a partner for your Perc. Watching a pair of percs interact is quite fascinating - they spend a lot of time together and have unique personalities. As your clown matures, the aggression might worsen. I've had my percs for six months now, and I've noticed a change in their behavior - my female Perc has started defending her toadstool from the blennie, which is a first. My percs are quite timid, though, and tend to hide when new fish are introduced. Hopefully, this helps.
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nixora
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by nixora »

Honestly, the aggression towards the firtideflow is getting to me, I'd rather just get him out and back to the LFS. Get some less aggressive fish in, it's just not worth the stress. Got your PM, thanks, just waiting on the details now.
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nixora
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by nixora »

He seems to have calmed down a bit now after speaking with the LFS where I bought him from. They've still got the other one he was tanked with, but won't take him back - not impressed with that.

I've got two options - catch him and take him to a different LFS, then pick up something like a flasher wrasse and a goby. They've sold the dracula today, so that's out of the question - might have to dismantle the aquascape anyway.

Or I could buy the other perc and put him in, hoping they'll leave the other fish alone.
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rustyfox9
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Re: Aggressive percussion

Post by rustyfox9 »

I'd be put off using that LFS again if they won't take back their own stock.
Buying the other perc seems like the way to go though - they'll grow up together, be fine with the other fish. If you do encounter any issues down the line, a pair will be easier to rehome, especially if they're breeding age, they're not that common and in demand.
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