2" Geometric Hawk Total Jerk in a 29g! Does he need the boot or more competition?

[Rakie]

2" Geometric Hawk Total Jerk in a 29g! Does he need the boot or more competition?

So I like the little guy, and I'm not done stocking. Do you think another fish as grumpy as he is would mellow him out, or make it worse? I wanted to get a Royal Gramma as my next fish.

Sadly, the Geo. Hawk chased a yellow coris wrasse to dive into a shallow sand bed and he didn't make it. Now he's tormenting my long awaited Tanaka Possum Wrasse.

So can this be fixed with a stocking decision, or do I need to trap the Hawk?

 

[suta4242]

These fish are gorgeous and very interesting but I think your problems are because the fish is cramped. They are also very greedy. You need to ensure he is getting plenty of food, otherwise he could easily see the wrasse as a food competitor. I raised a pair from about 1cm in size, and their behaviour changes dramatically even among themselves, let alone among other fish that share the same habitat

A fellow reefer bought one at 3-4 cm and a year or so later his behaviour had changed completely. By this time he was a good 2" and apparently a bully to other bottom dwellers in a 4ft tank. No idea if this is the norm for mature Pygmy Hawks, as they were seldom available some years ago in our country. Personally, I wouldn't keep one in a 29gallon - it's a small fish with a big attitude. :thumbsup:

HTH
:wave:

 

[Myles]

I'm shocked. I've had 4 of them all different sizes and presumably ages and never ever had one iota of aggression. Tanks ranged in size from 20g to 180g.
Myles

 

[Rakie]

They are also very greedy. You need to ensure he is getting plenty of food, otherwise he could easily see the wrasse as a food competitor.

Personally, I wouldn't keep one in a 29gallon - it's a small fish with a big attitude. :thumbsup:

Yep, that definitely sounds like you've had some of these guys. You're 100% spot on about the good and bad in them. Very inquisitive, fun to watch, great CUC member for any unwanted crustaceans.. But temperment changed dramatically and very gradually, huge attitude, and extremely selfish.

He went from a model citizen who never harmed anyone to being quite bold and not allowing new tank mates. He eats like a pig, as much as you'll give him. He makes sure he gets the largest Mysis, and all the rocks are his territory.

I'm shocked. I've had 4 of them all different sizes and presumably ages and never ever had one iota of aggression. Tanks ranged in size from 20g to 180g.
Myles

That's exactly what made me get the little guy. I believe I feed pretty heavy handed just for his sake, he's a little trash can, but man is he not giving anything in the tank even a little slack. I mean, he chased a Coris Wrasse to death within less than 12 hours. And he does not want this Tanaka in here with him one bit.

 

[suta4242]

If he is picking on the wetmorella the wrasse will lose out... It would be hard for him to hide from the hawk in a 29 unless it was wall to wall rock.

 

[Rakie]

If he is picking on the wetmorella the wrasse will lose out... It would be hard for him to hide from the hawk in a 29 unless it was wall to wall rock.

Yep, I'm going to catch him in a trap and put him in an acclimation box until someone wants him.