2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

plecotac · Post by **plecotac** » 12 Mar 2010, 23:18

I just saw 2 males of 333 fighting over a cave. Would this hurt them in anyway? What should I do? Been watching them for 5 minute and they've been smacking each other. I grabed my camera with flash and shot the flash on them to make them stop. They did stop for 1 or 2 minute and start fighting again.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 12 Mar 2010, 23:21

Yes, they can hurt each other doing this... But if they don't, they can't sort out who is alpha male... If it looks like the "looser" male can't get away, then you should probably separate them.

Giving the fish a few extra caves may also allow the "looser" to find another, not quite so good, but still acceptable, cave.

--
Mats

plecotac · Post by **plecotac** » 13 Mar 2010, 01:35

Thanks for the reply Mat. Its actually the first time I see them fighting and usually they have already occupied their prefered cave. I have 5 caves in the tank. Its just today the smaller male tried to invade the neighbour cave occupied by a bigger male. Although unsuccesful, he kept on trying to be the tough guy. That particular cave was occupied by the largest male in the pairs and for some reason he decided to move out and kicked the smallest male out of his cave. And I think the smallest male is pissed off and decided to invade the other male bit bigger than him.
I might have to add more anunias foliage as a shed to other caves as these particular 2 caves including the disputed one are heavily sheltered with anubias on wood. The other 3 have wood shelter but still bit opened. What u reckon?

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 13 Mar 2010, 13:46

Location of the cave is of course one of the factors that decides whether it's desireable or not.

And part of the settling of the ranking between the males involves fighting over the best cave. Younger ones will challenge for the "leadership" every now and again.

--
Mats

plecotac · Post by **plecotac** » 14 Mar 2010, 00:07

I think they are settled now...It was fun at first watching them brawling over a cave lol but then I was worried. The smallest male is now occupying a O tube cave just above the disputed cave.

TwoTankAmin · Post by **TwoTankAmin** » 14 Mar 2010, 15:54

My experience with fish and pecking order is that nothing is ever settled permanently. The alpha will always be challenged on and off by the others checking to make sure he really is still the alpha.

With plecos, as mentioned, the one concern is not to allow things to get to where the alpha is killing the other. Typically this happens when the alpha traps the rival in a cave and wont let it out til its dead. Some folks will use caves that come apart not only to be able to remove eggs or fry but also to be able to break up such trappings.

plecotac · Post by **plecotac** » 14 Mar 2010, 19:55

Sounds horible I don't know they can think to trap another male. Do u think iit would stress them if I check those caves regularly cus sometime I can't see them as they hide in the cave most of the time.

2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

Re: 2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

Re: 2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

Re: 2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

Re: 2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

Re: 2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?

Re: 2 male 333 fighting over a cave, what should I do?