Bangaii beating!

[W1ngz]

I've had 2 Bangaiis in QT since Thursday night. They've been pretty shy as they adjusted to the new surroundings, and just this morning I heard a clunking from the tank. Seems one had decided to start beating against the other one, who was cowering down in a bottom corner behind a piece of PVC which was making the noise. The victim's fins seem a little bit torn up, but other than that no serious harm or missing chunks.

For now I've separated them with a tank divider until I can decide what to do. I don't have a second QT, and have no intention of getting one. Either the bully goes back to the LFS, or they learn to play nice.

I originally thought these were peaceful fish, but it turns out that same sex aggression isn't unheard of. Does this diminish eventually? Is it just another stage of adjustment to the new tank?

 

[ChimolaFish]

Bengaii's do not tolerate a second bengaii if they are the same sex. Most likely you got two males and the big one is picking on the small one. I would take one back, or you can have him live in the sump if you have room. That's what Im doing with my second male. If you have a female, then you can have two. Other cardinals are peaceful and are not like bengaiis

 

[W1ngz]

I might see if they'll take one back and swap it for a pajama.

 

[snorvich]

Bengaii's do not tolerate a second bengaii if they are the same sex. Most likely you got two males and the big one is picking on the small one. I would take one back, or you can have him live in the sump if you have room. That's what Im doing with my second male. If you have a female, then you can have two. Other cardinals are peaceful and are not like bengaiis

This. Two of the same sex do not work.