I cannot believe what I'm seeing-Maroon + Perc?

[sugartooth]

I'm not sure how common this is....but out of temporary necessity, I put my baby picasso and immature maroon together in a 40 gallon.
I figured I would check on them many times and prepared to move them around after I free up another tank.

It's been two weeks and not even a shredding of fins! I don't believe it, I thought the Maroon would try and slaughter the picasso.

Well, I ran and got the camera because I needed to document this. Please excuse the water marks, I didn't want to disturb what was occurring by wiping the front.

First, the picasso:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nullcable/3126284129/" title="picasso by nullcable, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/3126284129_550be82ff2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="680" alt="picasso" /></a>

The maroon, misar on one side:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nullcable/3126287429/" title="maroon misbar by nullcable, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3126287429_f120b9a914_b.jpg" width="1024" height="770" alt="maroon misbar" /></a>


Then the two of them, how excited was I to see this!! Now I don't have to set up another tank!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nullcable/3126284115/" title="picasso and maroon by nullcable, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/3126284115_5d326d0aee_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="picasso and maroon" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nullcable/3126284121/" title="picasso and maroon by nullcable, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/3126284121_e2a605ff64_b.jpg" width="658" height="1024" alt="picasso and maroon" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nullcable/3126284105/" title="maroon and picasso by nullcable, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3126284105_26f1c9b162_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="maroon and picasso" /></a>

 

[jubjub]

the perc has a pretty decent size gash in his tail... you might be careful

 

[chrisstie]

I'm not surprised if they are young enough they could accept each other or being added at the same time to a new tank has quashed any territorial disputes for the time being.

What is up with the picasso's tail its on both sides?

 

[sugartooth]

Perhaps I overestimated the aggressiveness of the Mighty Maroons?

I don't see a gash on the tail? What's wrong with his tail?

 

[GSMguy]

um thats cool, the maroon is much larger so it doesn't feel threatened also it was not established in the aquarium when she was added. Im sure that helped.

 

[sugartooth]

The maroon was in there for a month before I added the picasso. The picasso has been in there for two weeks.

I think maybe I overestimated the aggressiveness, so I'm surprised that this worked out.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I would give it more time, back when I had maroons, they get meaner the older that they got.

Not sure what is wrong with the base of its tail, but looks like something got to it.

 

[sugartooth]

Hiya Todd:

How long before I figure they will get along? It would be pretty cool not to set up separate tanks.

Also, I don't see what you are talking about with the tail? Can you tell me where there is something wrong? As far as I can tell, he's all good?

 

[Toddrtrex]

Hiya Miss Sug.

Get your eyes checked. In the first picture you posted, at the base of the tail, kind of a yellowish/greenish mark. --- and it isn't just a spot on the glass, can see it in all the pictures.

As for how long, could be tomorrow, or in a couple of weeks. Though I think it might take longer compared to if the roles were reversed -- 2 maroons, and 1 perc. But, I don't think it will last long term -- when/if the percs start to mate I see things going down hill, if not before that. However, I have been wrong once or twice before.

 

[sugartooth]

sir Todd:

Are you talking about the interruption in the white? His white is coming in....is that what you are referring to? When I first got him, he only had 2 stripes and it's slowly filling in....

That looks like a wound? I will check again tomorrow when lights come on.....thanks everyone for pointing it out.

 

[Toddrtrex]

"sir Todd" that is more like it, about time you learned some respect.

Hmmm, I looked closer, and I could see how it could be from its stripe coming in. Hard to tell from that picture, and since you see it everyday, you would be better able to tell.

But, I also noticed that its dorsal fine seems a bit odd, has it always been that way? (( the two spots are circled in red ))

 

[sugartooth]

Thanks for circling it.

Yes, the dorsal was like that before going into the maroon tank. I thought it was odd too.

As for the tail, I will look more closely to make sure that it is just his tail and color change and not a fight mark. If it's injury, don't you think it's strange that it's symmetrical?

 

[Toddrtrex]

I wouldn't call that symmetrical, at least not completely. But, you are right, it does seem odd that it would have "attack marks" on both sides of it.

From what you have said, it is now starting to seem like there is no damage, which is a very good thing.

 

[sugartooth]

smartypants. Well, better be safe and double check.
Especially since everyone was pointing that out.

As far as I know, it's the white growing in.....keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[Toddrtrex]

Now when have I ever been a smartypants?

I hope (( and think )) it is just the white growing it. What threw me off is that it doesn't seem to be the same color orange as the rest of it, but perhaps that is part of it growing in.

 

[myxsptlk]

Could be something busted a hole right through the poor guy and he's just recovering. But what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger right?

I'd watch them a bit more, clowns can change moods with no explanation. She may accept him right now but could possibly decide to get grumpy one day and bash the hell out of him

 

[elegance coral]

I agree with Todd and the others that this may not last long term. There is also a very good possibility that they will form a pair, spawn, and live happily ever after. You won't know if you don't try.

If they do spawn, look me up, those should be some cool babies.
Congrats.

 

[sugartooth]

Tobb and Elegance: Thanks, I will certainly proceed with caution. I have not let down my guard. I'm just really surprised that I didn't have to separate them yet (and really hoping I don't have to!).

I went to look after lights on and found that the smaller they are, the more 'wriggly' they appear to be if you are trying to inspect them! After a long time in front and the sides of the tank, I still don't see damage.


As a side, it's been my observation that 'fighting' or 'bullying' usually presents itself with frayed fins and marks that appear like gashes and flesh showing or scales disrupted.

Here is another view to try and tease it out. I won't dismiss the comments in the thread at all, and I will certainly keep checking on them to make sure a beat down is stopped if and when the maroon decides to do so.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nullcable/3127674937/" title="picasso baby backside by nullcable, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/3127674937_9787f1cfb4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="picasso baby backside" /></a>

 

[synofreak]

I've got a GSM living with an Occie for about 6 months now. Started in a 55 and now in a 125. I believe the GSM is female now. While I wouldn't call them bonded, they do get along fine. The GSM came via a tank buyout, and had the Occie 1.5 months before the GSM was added.

 

[Outerbank]

Man, I hope this lasts. I would laugh so hard to see a plump 5 inch maroon female with a tiny 2 inch perc. It would remind me of the funny real life human couples you see--110 pound guy with a 350 pound wife.