pinkfloydpuffer

My mollies fight like no other. They used to get along peacefully, but as they grow, they get more aggressive towards each other. They pretty much chase each other all the time, one always sticking their nose at the base of the other's tail. They also flare their fins at each other, and have started whipping each other with their tails. They are also both missing chunks out of their dorsal fins, which I can only assume are from each other. The puffers are completely peaceful towards the other fish, except maybe when they are trying to steal food from them. But even then there's no damage done. I think the mollies could be trying to show each other up or something, because they are both males and seem to be showing off. I just hope that this doesn't end up with one of them dead. I'd miss Jimi and Janis if they were gone.

Alessa

I have had a similar experience with one of my guppies who is always flaring and trying to fight the other one. (the smallest one against the biggest one ). Sometimes the others fight, but this one is the most agressive of the bunch. I would suggest, if you can still fit them in the tank without overstocking, getting another male molie, and hope they get distracted. (they are boys, and will not stop fighting if that is their personality, but if there is one or two more there wont be the 1 to 1 stress).

pinkfloydpuffer

I think my tank is pretty full as is. But I'm not sure. I have a 20 gallon with two baby GSPs, the two mollies, and one rubberlip pleco. I don't think I could fit anymore in there. But I do want them to stop pushing each other to death.

Alessa

Can anyone help me figure this one out? I have no idea about the size of the pleco and puffers


I also wanted to point out (someone correct me if i am wrong) but I think that catfishes and plecos are not brackish, and dont do well in saltish water.

pinkfloydpuffer

The puffers are just under 2" each, and the pleco is about 3 I'd say

Alessa

im thinking about the bioload of the fully grown fishes...

pinkfloydpuffer

Oh, well I'm going to move the puffers into their own larger tank when they get older. And the pleco will get about 5".

pinkfloydpuffer

I'm also going to lower the salinity when the puffers move out.

Alessa

I believe you would have room if it is a 20 gallon... what concerns me now is the pleco, as I said he really shouldnt be in salty water.

pinkfloydpuffer

I was wondering if I get a 10 gallon for my betta if the pleco would do well in there? I don't know if they're compatible. I'm hitting all the places I can think of online looking for good deals on the tank.

Alessa

Depending on the size of the pleco... I dont think there would be enough room though. (Let me ask for expert advice)

sirdarksol

I think it's a matter of numbers. Two mollies will likely pick at each other, trying to one-up each other. They're kind of like wolves in that they need to have a pecking order. However, with only two, there's no room for more than "alpha" and "omega," and the omega will constantly be testing the alpha, and the alpha will constantly be forced to beat the omega down. With more members in the school, the beatings will be spread out over a larger number of fish, and the squabbles will be fewer.

One possibility is to get a breeder net, though, and separate them for a day or so, then reintroduce them. This sometimes "resets" their aggression.

Edit: Yes, a pleco and a betta have the potential to get along, but a pleco, even a small one like a rubberlip or bristlenose, gets too big and produces too much waste for a 10g, in my opinion.