Goldfish Acting Aggressive

[Haligren]

I hope someone on here knows more about goldfish behavior than I do. I woke up this morning and my white ryukin seems to have turned on my black moor. They're both about the same size but for whatever reason the ryukin keeps pushing the moor around the tank. I tried breaking them up but a few minutes later the ryukin's back at it again. He doesn't appear to be hurting the moor but the moor isn't fighting back and I know he's got to be stressing. The ryukin won't leave him alone for nothing. The moor's trying to go on about his day, but every time he tries to eat the ryukin's right there pushing him away from the food.

I've seen them play before. Both usually take turns pushing each other around the tank, but for some reason the ryukin seems to be taking it to the next level.

Should I put one of them into a separate tank or the ryukin eventually get tired of picking on the moor?

It's very odd as they've never done this before in all the six months that I've had them.

Please help.

 

[Greyscale_Geckos]

Hey, goldfish and koi lover here.

It sounds like your ryukin is simply becoming the more dominant fish. Unless they are adults (which is about 2-4 years) and then it could be that the ryukin is trying to mate with your moor.

Bullying happens a lot with goldfish. Ryukins are definitely stronger than moors, and so if a ryukin wants their own space and food, it's going to get it by discouraging the competition.

My black and orange moor used to bop around my other goldfish, but after a while he stopped. Unless your ryukin starts tearing the fins of your moor, or the moor can't get enough food, I wouldn't separate them. Goldfish are very social and when separated they just don't seem to thrive as well.

But like I said, if he starts eating or biting at your moor's fins, or if the moor starts failing to thrive because of a lack of food, separate them.

How big is your tank? Sometimes they get aggressive when they don't have enough of their own personal space.

 

[Haligren]

I think it's a 15 gal. but I'm not sure. It seems bigger than a ten. I have pictures if you would like to see.

I'm currently trying to find a home for them because I'd like more room for another gecko. I had a friend lined up to take them but I'm not sure about that any more. I would like to keep them though if I can. My in-laws might take them (we live in the same house currently, we're in the basement ) or at least let me keep them upstairs until we move out.

Both fish are about four inches long not sure about the age but they were both atleast two and a half inches or so when I first got them. I feed them once a day. For the moment the ryukin is leaving the moor alone. And when I tossed in some food just now the ryukin stopped tormenting the moor and they both ate. But before the moor was trying to forage on the pebbles and the ryukin wasn't having any of it. So maybe the dominating session is over?

I have considered perhaps it's the size of the tank. But usually they get along fine. The ryukin has not torn at the fins or caused any wounds that I can see on the moor, he was just pushing him around the tank like he was a toy. lol The poor pleco kept getting caught up in it and he was like "D:". Reminded me of those cartoons where two characters get into a fight and all you can see is a big ball of dust and then someone gets pulled in while they're fighting.

 

[cwazy]

another small possiblity would be perhaps the moor is a lil ill?

 

[Haligren]

I hope not. lol He seems fine. His dorsal fin is up and he's eating and pooping and swimming around happily...well when he's not being picked on. The moment seems to have passed for now though. I'll be keeping on eye on them. Thanks, guys.

 

[2bacop]

At work we usually recommend at least a 29 gallon for two, because when they are adults they do get kinda big and a little territorial. But thats just my opinion.

 

[Haligren]

At work we usually recommend at least a 29 gallon for two, because when they are adults they do get kinda big and a little territorial. But thats just my opinion.

I'll definately take that into consideration. Although I talked to my friend yesterday and she'll be taking them in. They'll have a 25 gal all to themselves. So at least that's a bit better.

 

[2bacop]

I'll definately take that into consideration. Although I talked to my friend yesterday and she'll be taking them in. They'll have a 25 gal all to themselves. So at least that's a bit better.

That will be just fine, I think they just needed more space. :main_yes: