Black & White Chromis

[DenizYILDIZ]

Hi,

I have 2 Chromis margaritifer. They have been in my tank for 1 year. And I have added 2 more fish , 1 bristletooth tang and 1 small Blue tang. But my chromis have gone wild. Too much aggressiveness been shown by them even tangs and they managed to kill small blue tang Bristletooth manages to protect itself coz of its body mass but it is also not feeling comfy .

I have read in most forums bicolor chromis is peaceful. So what could be the reason of this terror? Is it possible that adding new fishes after 1 year was the problem coz of them owned whole tank from the beginning? they are nearly 2 inches. And tank 90 gallon 4 foot tank.

Thanks

 

[treylane]

Sorry, I haven't kept bicolor chromis in particular, but I've kept several different kinds of smaller damsels and chromis.

1) Even fairly passive damsels are territorial and spunky. Their MO is to pick a section of the rockwork and defend it as their home. Where and how big the patch is, is pretty much dictated by how they need to work around the personalities and territories of the other fish in the tank. If they've had the tank to themselves for a year, they're likely trying to claim the entire thing.

2) How small a blue tang are we talking? Small blue tangs are pretty fragile and yours may have succumbed to other problem(s) aside from harassment.

I'd recommend picking up a new fish or two that aren't TOO passive, then sumping the chromis for a week or two when you add the new fish. Let the new fish settle in, figure out their own territories, get fat, and THEN let the chromis back into the mix.

 

[DenizYILDIZ]

Thanks alot. I thought same wise. That tang was 3-4 cm almost 2 inches. So as you mentioned it was weak and this is a sps tank with full water circulation that also was too high for him.

I wish I could catch those chromises. Not for sump but to go. I will try your suggestion next time. Feed it until he gets the body strength and will soon begin chromis hunt Thank alot

 

[treylane]

Buy a fish trap, they WORK and are welllll worth the investment. You should be able to catch any fish that eats prepared food.

The chromis should be able to coexist with whatever tangs you want, with a little bit of effort from you.