royal gramma aggression concern. .

[Teremei]

I just added the cutest little yellow clown goby. When first introduced I think it was trying to hold it's own against the gramma in his territory because it stood with it's side facing the gramma. The gramma took him in his mouth and just let go. I don't notice any damage at all. I don't know whether if he was checking if it was food, defending his territory, or just beeing a bully. The clown goby was not hurt, he just scared the little thing into hiding.

Well anyway 1 day later the guy is out swimming already (suprisingly) so the gramma ain't effecting it too much. But I have noticed him chase him a couple of times. There has been no damage I'm just concerned because I heard grammas can be mean when they get older and settled. How many days should I expect some aggression until I should start thinking about giving the gramma away? I can understand agression to new additions I just hope it doesn't go on too long. The clown goby is so tiny it can't really defend itself. And I think he's much cuter than the gramma so I'd part with the gramma if I had to.

He's not being OVERLY aggressive, I'm just a little concerned that's all. How many days (normally) should I let this go on?

 

[bertoni]

Hmm, interesting question. Is this the 55g tank? I can't remember what you've got...

If the clown goby is eating well and isn't showing any damage, that's a good sign. How big are the two fishes?

 

[Teremei]

Well this is just the 2nd day. The 1st day he hid all day, the 2nd day he actually came out of his crevice and swam around. The royal gramma is a little too interested in him for my nerves. No damage. But I can't help to think the clown goby would still be swimming right now if the gramma weren't in there. The clownfish are interested in him, but have been very gentle with him. Alomst friend like.

I haven't seen him eat yet but I do syringe in some garlic soaked flakes into his crevice hoping some stays in there and he gets some. ONE time the 2nd day he was nibbling at a large flake near his crevice but I don't think he was able to break it down into his mouth.

So he is healthy, showing signs of wanting to eat, I just get overly nervous about things and I want to know how many days to expect some aggression from the gramma? If it goes on for too long I will consider trading away the gramma.

The clown goby is a little under an inch
the royal gramma is a little over 2 inches. But he is probably 3 times the mass of the clown goby.

 

[joe18]

maybe change the rock work, as grammas are very teritorial, so messing up there territory will confuse him, and hell have nothing to defend, it will also meen that theyll both be searching for a new cave or crevice, and he might leve the goby alone for some time while searching, and over that ime the goby will restrgthn.
good luvk

joe

 

[Teremei]

I can't really change the rock I have corals all over the place. I will try to change the smaller top rocks with shrooms on it and move his main cave maybe that will help. Thanks.

Any other pointers? Does anybody have any experience with this and know when aggression will subside?

 

[masterswimmer]

My RG was the bully of the tank also. I then added a Kole Tang and guess who retreated into submission.....yep, the RG. Sometimes it takes a bigger bully to keep everyone in line.

Russ

 

[Teremei]

Heh heh well that makes sense but unfortunatly I can't do that in my 55. One or two things are gonna happen. . .

Either the Royal gramma continues to be a bully, and he will be traded. .

Or 2) He leaves the goby alone and when I upgrade into my 120 he will stay in the 55 for awhile and be the LAST fish to make the move to the new tank.

 

[Teremei]

update, little goby getting along just fine now! He even swims with all the other fish during feeding time and does not even fear the gramma anymore! The gramma doesn't seem interested anymore either. So that's good.

 

[bertoni]

Excellent!