new ausie tusk getting picked on

[reeferaddiction]

hey guys, i have had my lfs holding a beautiful aussie harlequin tusk and tonight i brought him home. i am a little concerned with the aggressiveness of my 3 inch picaso trigger and how he has been going after my new guy, who is about 6 inches by the way. The trigger really goes at him whenever they are close, and you can hear the snapping of the triggers teeth. i have turned the tanks lights off in some attempt to ease the tension but the trigger is still a little territorial. does anyone have any tips on relieving some of this tension? i have thought about feeding but am scared that it may make things worse. i never expected this little guy to be so bold, he is buddies with everyone else and i have added other fish with no issues. let me know what you guys think.

 

[mattsilvester]

Dunno if it works with trigger, but with tanks a mirror at the end of the tank usually provides plenty of distraction........

Don't let it there al day - it could be very stressful - maybe whenever there are "incidents" and let it thre for 10mins.....

Should be ok though - picasso's aren't exaclty known as "aggressive".

HTH

Matt

 

[reeferaddiction]

great idea matt, i never thought of that but would make sense. i think they will be ok now, things have seemed to cool off. it was just a little scary hearing those teeth chomping.

 

[oceancowboy]

I've used the mirror trick with some angels. Highly recommend it.

 

[Grouperhead]

Reconfiguring the liverock can also help out

 

[LisaD]

I'm glad things settled down with your HT. They are fantastic fish.

Mine was picked on the first couple of days until the pecking order was established, now all the fish get along peacefully. Sometimes, it just takes time.

If things aren't settling down and the new fish is extremely stressed, I'll often take out the bully or bullies, if I can, and let it or them sit in a bucket for a few hourse while I rearrange the rockwork. When they are added back, they are insecure, and if the rockwork doesn't look familiar, they are not as sure that they are in the territory they need to defend. Makes a real difference in attitude. I feed the tank before adding the fish back. Compteting for food seems to bring out aggression.

 

[reeferaddiction]

ok things are looking good. the other fish have eased up on the ht, but with the normal hey hows it going every once in a while. for now the tusk hangs out on his side of the tank becoming more and more adventurous. although he is still a little unsure of me, but coming around. after all i am the guy with the food. he is a good strong fish and his appetite has not been a issue even when getting picked on. thanks for the feed back guys and i will post some pics soon.

 

[marcrunner]

i had the same problem with my tusk. I have had him for almost 8 months now, and he is still the shyest fish in the tank.

 

[LisaD]

what are you keeping with yours? mine is doing great with some moderately aggressive fish.