Xtreme_B

Two of my Blackskirt Tetras are swimming next to eachother in a circle as it seems forever.And when 1 of the others try to go over there 1 of them chases him away.To go right back at circleing the other 1.What does that mean?Are they mating or tormenting the other one?

Isabella

Never had Blackskirt Tetras, but maybe they're mating if they're circling each other. Or they're fighting. Anyway, how many Blackskirts alltogether do you have? What other fish and how many? What size is your tank and how long have you had it?

Xtreme_B

I have 4 blackskirts,4 serpae and 3 orange flame tetras and 1 corycat.My tank is a 29 gallon and i've had it for 1 1/2 years now.But the tetras haven't been in it that long,put them in,in november.

capekate

Hi there,
I also have 4 long fin black skirt tetras, and 4 serpae tetras as well in my 29g tank along with 3 tiger barbs. I'm not sure what the behavior is, but I have seen it with my tiger barbs doing the same thing, and they end up being aggressive. its either a threatening posture or a interest in mating... its hard to tell, but I would watch these two and see if it becomes aggressive. My black skirts like to 'own' a part of the tank and do not let the others near. I have one BS on the right side of the tank, another on the left and they never leave thier spots. I brought in two new ones that are smaller and one has the middle of the tank and another in the back. Funny how these guys claim a territory as their own! They do not bother any of the other fish tho that come in their space. Funny guys...
~ kate

Xtreme_B

Thanks for your reply Kate,I will keep an eye on them.So far they stopped,but I don't know if that means anything.

Isabella

I guess they're safe as long as they're not physically hurting each other. Yes, just keep watching for any potentially destructive behavior. It could be mating or it could be fighting for all we know. I am hoping it's mating though

Allie

I had 8 black skirts in my 120g...they constantly fought and they were in a big space. We sold them b/c they were aggressive with each other not any other fish tho.

Xtreme_B

Not that I want to change the subject,but I noticed that Kate and Isabella you guys have Angelfish.Is there a secret in keeping Angels?I want them so bad but had no luck with them,they always died on me.I think the biggest mistake I made was starting of with Angels not knowing anything about the cycling of the tank.And everytime 1 died I bought another one to replace the dead one.Now i'm getting a 55gallon tank that I would like to put Angels in,so any help on that would be great.I'm also looking to buy Bio Spira to cycle the tank within 24 hours.

capekate

Hi Xtreme_B, I would be happy to help with your Angels. If you would like to start a topic at the Angels species section myself and other Angel fish owners would be happy to give you a hand... Or you can PM me as well.
~ kate

Xtreme_B

Thanks I will do that

Xtreme_B

I took some of my decor and plants out of my tank yesterday to put into my new tank to help speed the cycle.But now 3 of my Black Skirts are chasing that 1 Black Skirt around the tank.Should i put the stuff back into the tank or will they be ok ?

capekate

these black skirts can be littler stinkers for sure! I really don't think that they will come to harm tho, but you just never know. If I were to use my own guys as an indicator... They do chase each other around.. and go up real fast to each other and veer off at the last minute so fast that I can hardly see them move. But they are very quick and most times they do get out of each others way. You either have three males and one female or a few males that are trying to bully the lesser male in the pecking order. Without the plants and hiding places, I'm sure the one being picked on is feeling that much more insecure. I know with my guys, they have each picked an area of the tank as their own and anyone that crosses into the others territory gets chased off. If you plan on keeping the tank empty of plants and hiding places til your new tank, I think that will cause problems. Is there anyway you can put back a few plants?At least the one being chased can have a hiding place. If you need to try to seed your new tank, why not take a piece out of your filter media and put it into the new tank. I'm sure that has at least if not more of the beneficial bacteria than your plants and decorations carry.
~ kate

Xtreme_B

Thanks Kate,I still have 3 small plants and 2 ornaments in there.I guess I took all the big plants out so I will buy some more tonight.I did take the whole media filter out of the tank with the tetras and put it in the new one.Maybe with me taking so much out of their tank they just gone nuts for a while.....

capekate

LOL.. yeh they do get stressed out when we move things around don't they? hehe... funny lil guys... Good luck with your new tank...

Xtreme_B

Thank you