Bangaii cardinals agression towards other Bangaii

[isomorphic85]

2 bangaii cardinals in a 29 biocube used as a QT tank.
noticing some agression from one towards the other chasing him around a bit... the submissive one is staying near the surface in the corners ...
any suggestions? will this level out ? or do I have an issue here....

 

[KRBNSOL]

I had the same issue. They were in a 120 for over 6 months and the aggression started. Smaller one hung at the top and turned dark gray almost black. I ended up giving that one away as I wasn't sure how to remedy this. Good luck!

 

[isomorphic85]

how long was it going on before you gave him away?

 

[OrQidz]

I have always heard they will bully one another, especially if you have only a few in a smaller tank. I had two gold lined cardinals in a 29, and one beat the heck out of the other one. I'm not sure if that's all cardinals, but it might be best to return one and just have one.

 

[AZBigJohn]

I have been always told if you do not get a true "bonded" pair together, they will fight for dominance. I am sure size of the tank effects the amount of agression (if they have 6 feet of space to share, it would be better than 18").

I might see if you can set up another QT for the second, or consider rehoming it.

 

[PeterHall]

I would take one out and try another cardinal. You probably have two of the same sex.

Had a "pair" in my 150 gallon. Got along for 6 months or so then one started constantly harassing the other. The one stopped eating and passed. Then the other one passed a few months later. Some weird murder suicide pact.

 

[isomorphic85]

Yeah just fed them now... the one that's getting harrassed took in 2 pieces of mysis and then just stopped and stayed right at the surface in the corner.

The other one is bullying him around still. I'm thinking of seeing if anyone wants him as i don't want him to get stressed to the point where he becomes ill and or dies.

I thought I even read on live aquaria that bangaiis like to have another or two so there not alone...

apparently not.