Clown loach sparring

My two biggest clown loaches (one is about 1.5-2 inches long, the other is slightly smaller) have started behavior that looks like fighting. They kind of headbutt each other for a little bit, then they take a break and go at it again. They both gray out while they're doing this, but when they separate their coloring comes back. I tried to look for those undereye barbs, but they didn't seem to be out either. I just noticed this yesterday. I have just added fish to the tank, so maybe they're trying to get a hierarchy going?

 

That is more than likely the source.
It can be partcialy reduced by adding more hiding area, even better if they are far apart in the tank.

Dino

 

I was a member of loaches.com before I came here...still am, though I post here more often. Their forum air seems to me to be a little snooty. I guess because they know so much. But I do like the information provided on the site. Pictures are good too!

 

Yes, and there are more beginners here, so I don't feel as inadequate when I ask questions.

My two big loaches are still sparring, but no blood is being shed. I added hiding places as best I could, but they've grown attached to that plastic Wal-Mart tree trunk. They like to squeeze themselves into the inside crevices of the trunk. It makes it seem as though they aren't even in there. Before I discovered their trick I was frantically looking for them for too, too long, even looking on the floor around the tank, behind the tank, taking the filters apart...then I pop my head up to find that they're over at my corner of the tank, looking at me! Little buggers...anyway, about the fighting! They sleep together at night, so I guess it can't be all bad.
The thing is...the one that is the obivous aggressor is smaller! It's less deep-bodied than the other, and about a nose shorter. The bigger one is more of a gentle giant, I suppose. I don't know who will win. The bigger one may be shy, but he can fin-bump just fine! They click a lot when they get into it, too. Can't we all just get along?

 

Oh, that's kind of a bummer. I sorta wanted to see someone become a minion. Maybe later when they grow a little more  ;D I went over to loaches.com and tried to scour the forum for threads like mine...I think it was Martin Thoene and Emma who showed pictures of battered clown loaches and others with barbs unsheathed. But their loaches were huge, mine are all less than two inches. I just checked on them now and they're playing leap frog (leap loach??) in the current like old pals, so you must be right.

 

Aww that's cute. Does he sneak out later to look for leftovers or does he not eat at all?

 

You're good anyway! I just feed bloodworms and zucchini on a clip. I'm trying to put them on flake food and have their bloodworms be the treat. I started them off on bloodworms because they wouldn't eat at first, then I just kept on with it. But now I'm putting my foot down! What are your treats?