NOLAunderwater

My LFS store said that a GBR would be fine in a community tank. So I got one because they are so striking.

Now he's bullying everything else in the tank. Chases down everyone else and nips them a little.

Is this normal? Everything I read says that they are super mellow. But this guy's anything but mellow. Is there anything I can do to get the GBR to calm down a little.

Barbrella

There really is no such thing as a "super mellow" cichlid. Even cichlids known to be totally peaceful, like Keyholes, can become grumpy during spawning. All cichlids are territorial to different degrees. And then you must account for different personalities.

I can only suggest you add plants, rocks etc. to try and cut down on his territory a bit by blocking his view across the tank.

MissMTS

I was thinking about adding one to mine and the LFS guy told me that they do best in groups of 3 or more. Let me know what happens with yours because I would still really like to add one to my tank

capekate

Usually if you have two male GBRs in the tank they will become aggressive towards each other. I have a lone male in my community tank and he does not bother anyone at all. Not even the little cardinal tetras.

~ kate

MissMTS

Hmmmmmmm.......I guess I was told wrong then Good to know!

NOLAunderwater

The tank is pretty heavily planted (7 plants for a 28g bowfront) and has 3 decent sized swim-thru decorations.

capekate

Hello Kate,
I dont believe that you received the wrong information from you LFS. They do fine in a group, but just make sure to have one male to at least three females. If you have a very large tank over 55gs then I am sure you can add another male, but the two paths will cross at some point and there can be conflict in the tank between the males. My lone male had a female that only lasted about three days and he was very happy to have the company. They are so hard to find in my area, thats the only reason he is alone. As soon as I can find more I will add them to the tank.

~ kate

capekate

Hello NOLAunderwater,
I really do not understand why your GBR is so aggressive seeing that you have many plants and decorations. what kind of fish is he attacking? Sometimes you can just end up with a fish that has an aggressive personality and there is not much to do about it, other than return it if it gets to be too much trouble for your other fish.

~ kate

miker

My GBR pair gets angry if they are not getting enough food. And my rainbows deserve that

I put a sinking wafer which my GBRs guard and eat!!