HELP! Quick! PLEASE!!!

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 01:25 AM

I just put the prettiest blue coral banded shrimp which is about 2" from head to tail in with my bi-colour psuedochromis 1-1/4" & They're attacking each other! The psuedochromis has been in for 2 weeks or so. Should i take one of them out or will they get over it? I'm pretty sure someone is going to get munched momentarily! - Should i put the shrimp in my sump & take one of them back to the store? Eek!

ETA: I don't want to move the shrimp quickly in case he throws his claws & the store wont take him back?

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 01:26 AM

Shrimp - 3
Dottyback - 1

Uh-Oh.

jenjen · 12/17/2009, 01:33 AM

I don't have a suggestion for you (haven't had that experience) but I would definitely move the shrimp to the sump until someone is able to give some suggestions.

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 01:39 AM

things have calmed down a little now since the shrimp has moved away from the "dottyback's rock" (which he's very territorial of) ~ Still worried. I can't believe such a small fish is so aggressive, I think i'll leave them, watch carefully & hope the dottyback learns his lesson & the shrimp stays away.

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 01:40 AM

Or not. LOL. Sump it is... erm.. hope he doesn't nip me.

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 02:28 AM

Update: Dotty back has definately learned his lesson, the shrimp got hold of him by the belly and held him there for a good 5-10 seconds then threw him to the side, doesnt look like any damage was done (friendly shrimp).

Last 30 mins have been quite peacefull in my tank, ill leave em be and just keep watching patiently.

Wow the most excitement my tank has had so far lol.

FortyFour · 12/17/2009, 02:38 AM

sounds exciting! good luck restoring order. Sorry I don't have any suggestions on the matter.

Colione · 12/17/2009, 02:49 AM

yikes, similar things have happened to me before.

I feel like screaming at the tank "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I'M TRYING TO MAKE IT ALL PEACEFUL FOR YOU!!!"

haha. Good luck!

MrsHaggis · 12/17/2009, 03:07 AM

Dottybacks are notoriously vicious towards shrimp. And have been known to eat them!!! I was thinking of getting a strawberry one until I read how "angry" they can get and how many people have lost shrimp.

I would say (and it's only my opinion) that if you leave them both in the tank that one of them will eventually disappear - probably the shrimp as soon as it molts!!!!

Just my tuppence worth!

Arkayology · 12/17/2009, 03:52 AM

A quick online read-up of bi-color behavior would have told yo that they are notorious for attacking ornamental shrimp. I hope the shrimp is big enough to hold its own, but will most likely be lunch one day.

John Zillmer · 12/17/2009, 06:51 AM

Pseudochromis tend to be very aggressive fish. Prepare for a similar situation when adding new motile livestock to the tank unless the newcomers are relatively larger (2-3x) than the pseudo.

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 08:01 AM

I presumed (bad presumption) that a shrimp 2" or bigger head to tail with his claws alone ( 3")bigger than the psuedo i wouldnt of had an issue. But im betting if anything the psuedo will get chomped clean in half.

For now they are both staying in the tank with close attention i'm off to bed for the night now i will update tomorow morning.

The last 3-4 hours have been fine no issues as the psuedo seems to of learnt his lesson, but with his attitude im sure he will try again.

ETA: all i can hope is i dont wake to a dead anything in the morning.

If there is any massive fights, like today the psuedo will be getting removed i have decided as it seems he is the issue not the shrimp and i wouldnt like any problems like this further down the line.

Thanks for all your opinions!

billdogg · 12/17/2009, 08:06 AM

I have a pseudochromis that started its life with us in my "happy" tank. he lasted about a month there. He now lives with my 4' gymnothorax undulatus (named Hannibal), as does my green brittle star. Lesson learned for me! HTH

gar732 · 12/17/2009, 08:25 AM

I have a purple psuedochromis that has lived with an emerald crab for about 3 months now. The psuedo has gone after the crab but only when he got too close. The crab was smart enough to get away and not challenge. I think what makes your situation worse is that it doesn't sound like the shimp wants to give at all. As soon as I can catch him the psuedo is going to the lfs as he doesn't like most other fish either.

mojo10 · 12/17/2009, 09:24 AM

one will win the other one will be part of the marine cycle.It I call a learning curve..

1DeR9_3Hy · 12/17/2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gar732

I have a purple psuedochromis that has lived with an emerald crab for about 3 months now. The psuedo has gone after the crab but only when he got too close. The crab was smart enough to get away and not challenge. I think what makes your situation worse is that it doesn't sound like the shimp wants to give at all. As soon as I can catch him the psuedo is going to the lfs as he doesn't like most other fish either.

Your purple pseudo (if its a fridmani, which it probably is) is one of the most docile pseudos you can get.

Where as the bi-color or diadem pseudochromis is hell with fins towards just about everything in the ocean regardless of size. The only thing that would make mine back down was my anger fist in the tank

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 02:22 PM

Argh not what i wanted to here lol.

well they both survived the night fine, and all is happy in the tank this morning (for now)

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 02:22 PM

My psuedo is a bi colour not a purple =(

ETA: Trying the Angerfist method as soon as i see any issues again!

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 02:29 PM

I think i have already made my mind up. He is going to my LFS, any recomendations as to what would be a good swap?

would like something vibrant and tank friendly.

MrsHaggis · 12/17/2009, 02:46 PM

What about a purple firefish goby?
Or a 6-line wrasse - I love mine she swims in the whole tank and is constantly on the move!
I also love the Flame Hawkfish and plan on adding one to my tank.
Lemon Peel Angelfish?

There are so many to choose from!!

But it all depends on what fish you already have, and shrimp and other tank mates. What else do you have in there? How big is your tank?

-Pixie- · 12/17/2009, 10:59 PM

I have 1 linkia, 3 chromis, 1 psuedochromis and my coral banded shrimp. a few snails and either a baby snail or slug? no shell as far as i can see.

Lightsluvr · 12/18/2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Pixie-

I have 1 linkia, 3 chromis, 1 psuedochromis and my coral banded shrimp. a few snails and either a baby snail or slug? no shell as far as i can see.

Interesting selections... linkia are notoriously difficult to keep - and are considered suitable for expert aquarists only. Did your LFS tell you that before you purchased?

Just curious.

The "slug" is likely a stomatella.

LL

Super-Dave · 12/18/2009, 09:34 AM

Go with a Royal Gramma. I had to return my Psudo cause he was a butthead to all the fish in my tank. Royal Gramma has same colors and is peaceful.

Felix T Cat · 12/18/2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super-Dave

Go with a Royal Gramma. I had to return my Psudo cause he was a butthead to all the fish in my tank. Royal Gramma has same colors and is peaceful.

I love my royal and it has very pretty colors. Don't know about yours but I have a central "cave" set up in the middle of the tank and mine is constantly swimming upside down around the back wall of it. I laugh every time I see it.

swannyson7 · 12/18/2009, 10:22 AM

If possible, you may want to consider a little bit of aquascaping. By changing the layout of the rock, the territory of the dottyback will be disturbed and he'll have to find a new home. Hopefully they will each establish a new favored spot without any aggression. Good luck!

12/17/2009, 01:25 AM	#1
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	HELP! Quick! PLEASE!!! I just put the prettiest blue coral banded shrimp which is about 2" from head to tail in with my bi-colour psuedochromis 1-1/4" & They're attacking each other! The psuedochromis has been in for 2 weeks or so. Should i take one of them out or will they get over it? I'm pretty sure someone is going to get munched momentarily! - Should i put the shrimp in my sump & take one of them back to the store? Eek! ETA: I don't want to move the shrimp quickly in case he throws his claws & the store wont take him back?

12/17/2009, 01:33 AM	#3
jenjen Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Langley BC, Canada Posts: 1,710	I don't have a suggestion for you (haven't had that experience) but I would definitely move the shrimp to the sump until someone is able to give some suggestions. __________________ "Challenges forge the greatness in you" Current Tank Info: 180gal softy reef (Apr '09)

12/17/2009, 02:49 AM	#8
Colione Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 412	yikes, similar things have happened to me before. I feel like screaming at the tank "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I'M TRYING TO MAKE IT ALL PEACEFUL FOR YOU!!!" haha. Good luck! __________________ 50 Gal Rimless T5 SPS Current Tank Info: 50 gal Rimless

12/17/2009, 03:07 AM	#9
MrsHaggis Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: St Louis, France Posts: 675	Dottybacks are notoriously vicious towards shrimp. And have been known to eat them!!! I was thinking of getting a strawberry one until I read how "angry" they can get and how many people have lost shrimp. I would say (and it's only my opinion) that if you leave them both in the tank that one of them will eventually disappear - probably the shrimp as soon as it molts!!!! Just my tuppence worth! __________________ Nothing scarier than a clown!! ----------------------------- 1 ClownFish 1 SixLine Wrasse 1 Foxface Rabbitfish Mushrooms Long Polyp Leather Green Anchor Coral Zoanthids Trumpet Coral Goniopora Current Tank Info: 360 litre (95 US Gallons), Tunze DOC Skimmer 9010, Lights: Metal Halide 250 Watt and 2x24 Watt Moon Lights, Tunze MultiController 7095

12/17/2009, 03:52 AM	#10
Arkayology Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,597	A quick online read-up of bi-color behavior would have told yo that they are notorious for attacking ornamental shrimp. I hope the shrimp is big enough to hold its own, but will most likely be lunch one day. __________________ -Matt in between tanks

12/17/2009, 01:26 AM	#2
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	Shrimp - 3 Dottyback - 1 Uh-Oh.

12/17/2009, 01:39 AM	#4
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	things have calmed down a little now since the shrimp has moved away from the "dottyback's rock" (which he's very territorial of) ~ Still worried. I can't believe such a small fish is so aggressive, I think i'll leave them, watch carefully & hope the dottyback learns his lesson & the shrimp stays away.

12/17/2009, 01:40 AM	#5
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	Or not. LOL. Sump it is... erm.. hope he doesn't nip me.

12/17/2009, 02:28 AM	#6
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	Update: Dotty back has definately learned his lesson, the shrimp got hold of him by the belly and held him there for a good 5-10 seconds then threw him to the side, doesnt look like any damage was done (friendly shrimp). Last 30 mins have been quite peacefull in my tank, ill leave em be and just keep watching patiently. Wow the most excitement my tank has had so far lol.

12/17/2009, 02:38 AM	#7
FortyFour Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 371	sounds exciting! good luck restoring order. Sorry I don't have any suggestions on the matter.

12/17/2009, 06:51 AM	#11
John Zillmer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 375	Pseudochromis tend to be very aggressive fish. Prepare for a similar situation when adding new motile livestock to the tank unless the newcomers are relatively larger (2-3x) than the pseudo. __________________ Maybe there isn't any such thing as normativity -- but there should be. Current Tank Info: 90 g mixed reef, 40 g 'fuge, T5HO, Simplicity 240DC

12/17/2009, 08:01 AM	#12
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	I presumed (bad presumption) that a shrimp 2" or bigger head to tail with his claws alone ( 3")bigger than the psuedo i wouldnt of had an issue. But im betting if anything the psuedo will get chomped clean in half. For now they are both staying in the tank with close attention i'm off to bed for the night now i will update tomorow morning. The last 3-4 hours have been fine no issues as the psuedo seems to of learnt his lesson, but with his attitude im sure he will try again. ETA: all i can hope is i dont wake to a dead anything in the morning. If there is any massive fights, like today the psuedo will be getting removed i have decided as it seems he is the issue not the shrimp and i wouldnt like any problems like this further down the line. Thanks for all your opinions!

12/17/2009, 08:06 AM	#13
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I have a pseudochromis that started its life with us in my "happy" tank. he lasted about a month there. He now lives with my 4' gymnothorax undulatus (named Hannibal), as does my green brittle star. Lesson learned for me! HTH __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

12/17/2009, 08:25 AM	#14
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	I have a purple psuedochromis that has lived with an emerald crab for about 3 months now. The psuedo has gone after the crab but only when he got too close. The crab was smart enough to get away and not challenge. I think what makes your situation worse is that it doesn't sound like the shimp wants to give at all. As soon as I can catch him the psuedo is going to the lfs as he doesn't like most other fish either.

12/17/2009, 09:24 AM	#15
mojo10 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Roanoke Posts: 75	life one will win the other one will be part of the marine cycle.It I call a learning curve..

12/17/2009, 02:22 PM	#17
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	Argh not what i wanted to here lol. well they both survived the night fine, and all is happy in the tank this morning (for now)

12/17/2009, 02:29 PM	#19
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	I think i have already made my mind up. He is going to my LFS, any recomendations as to what would be a good swap? would like something vibrant and tank friendly.

12/17/2009, 02:46 PM	#20
MrsHaggis Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: St Louis, France Posts: 675	What about a purple firefish goby? Or a 6-line wrasse - I love mine she swims in the whole tank and is constantly on the move! I also love the Flame Hawkfish and plan on adding one to my tank. Lemon Peel Angelfish? There are so many to choose from!! But it all depends on what fish you already have, and shrimp and other tank mates. What else do you have in there? How big is your tank? __________________ Nothing scarier than a clown!! ----------------------------- 1 ClownFish 1 SixLine Wrasse 1 Foxface Rabbitfish Mushrooms Long Polyp Leather Green Anchor Coral Zoanthids Trumpet Coral Goniopora Current Tank Info: 360 litre (95 US Gallons), Tunze DOC Skimmer 9010, Lights: Metal Halide 250 Watt and 2x24 Watt Moon Lights, Tunze MultiController 7095

12/17/2009, 10:59 PM	#21
-Pixie- Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Australia, sunny coast Posts: 192	I have 1 linkia, 3 chromis, 1 psuedochromis and my coral banded shrimp. a few snails and either a baby snail or slug? no shell as far as i can see.

12/18/2009, 09:34 AM	#23
Super-Dave Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1	Go with a Royal Gramma. I had to return my Psudo cause he was a butthead to all the fish in my tank. Royal Gramma has same colors and is peaceful.

12/18/2009, 10:22 AM	#25
swannyson7 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bantam, Connecticut Posts: 2,398	If possible, you may want to consider a little bit of aquascaping. By changing the layout of the rock, the territory of the dottyback will be disturbed and he'll have to find a new home. Hopefully they will each establish a new favored spot without any aggression. Good luck!