I have a PBT ("Mary") who flat out just doesn't like other fish - some of you will know exactly what I mean. She especially hates other tangs, but even the little firefish can incur her wrath when she's in a mood. When she has one of her episodes and goes on a rampage against all the other fish; my wife would run over to the tank, yell at Mary and even point her finger at the fish the way you would correct a child. Mary would retreat behind the rocks, and I tried explaining to my wife that the fish doesn't understand being "corrected" like that. But of course, my wife never listens. I guess I also should point out that my wife hand feeds this fish nori and even pets her dorsal fin on occasion (against my better judgement).
So, this wife yelling at the fish thing goes on for about a year. And whether it's coincidence or not, I must admit Mary's aggression has decreased dramatically during that time. Or at least I thought it had. What I'm noticing lately is Mary doesn't act aggressive or hostile towards any of the other fish so long as the lights are on. But as soon as the lights go out and early in the morning before they come on, she's messing with all my other fish. Her latest nemesis in my Moorish Idol, but it's cool the way he's able to avoid her charges by the way he swims. He just sort of "dances" away from her attacks.
Anyway... do any of you think the reason she is attacking at night but never while the lights are on is because she doesn't like how my wife yells at her? Like it's learned behavior... the way you would train a child not to do something? It seems logical to me now that I think about it. Mary's actions were causing a negative reaction from my wife. Mary doesn't like the negative reaction, so she learns to do it only after the lights go out (and the humans aren't around) to avoid the negative reaction. Or am I just crazy? :sad2:
So, this wife yelling at the fish thing goes on for about a year. And whether it's coincidence or not, I must admit Mary's aggression has decreased dramatically during that time. Or at least I thought it had. What I'm noticing lately is Mary doesn't act aggressive or hostile towards any of the other fish so long as the lights are on. But as soon as the lights go out and early in the morning before they come on, she's messing with all my other fish. Her latest nemesis in my Moorish Idol, but it's cool the way he's able to avoid her charges by the way he swims. He just sort of "dances" away from her attacks.
Anyway... do any of you think the reason she is attacking at night but never while the lights are on is because she doesn't like how my wife yells at her? Like it's learned behavior... the way you would train a child not to do something? It seems logical to me now that I think about it. Mary's actions were causing a negative reaction from my wife. Mary doesn't like the negative reaction, so she learns to do it only after the lights go out (and the humans aren't around) to avoid the negative reaction. Or am I just crazy? :sad2:
