Large Angelfish bullying smaller angelfish?

So I have had 3 juvenile angels in a 40 gallon with 3 mollies. I was only going to have the angles in there long enough for them to pair off and remove the extra one 2 of them are penny sized the other is probably slightly larger then a quarter if that. Well all was well until I added the larger of the 3 angelfish now he is bullying the younger 2 what should I do 2 of them are veil and the one is Koi the Koi is the larger but does not pic with any other fish oh have Dwarf Cories as well.

 

How long ago did you introduce the bigger one?

 

Two weeks ago it seemed to be doing well but then I noticed so fin nipping but only on the other angels.

 

Is it Relentless bullying? Or just the occasional Chase?

 

When I bought my Angel it was the size of a penny to and was very peaceful for almost 3 months but when it got to be the size of a quarter became very mean attacking all the fish always going after them I had to rehome the Angel yours seems to be doing the same.

 

Hmm I would say occasional chasing but I said I had so today I found one them dead. I don't see it chasing anyone his activity level is no different from when I first purchased it. It will only chase when near it doesn't pursue and continue the chase. No other fish that are in the tank run from it but you can see a difference in personality in the two angels that were already established especially the one that died.

Yes it does seem that way I might have to rehome it or take it back.

 

Yes it does seem that way I might have to rehome it or take it back.

I had to it started off with just the smaller Angel it picked on and after the small one died it started going after my other fish and the first few months he was very shy and peaceful not sure what went wrong

 

I might just have to remove them all smh

 

I tried having angels too and ended up taking them all back. Got 4 of them them as babies and they were great for about 3 months. Bizaliz3 gave me good advice. Unfortunately they are cichlids and they most are not peaceful when grown. I tried keeping 2 and they chased and guarded areas of the tank and all other fish in tank were stressed. It just was not worth it to me. I still wish I could have an angel or a pair but I would need larger tank than a 55 gallon. There is one gal on here who keeps one angel in a 40 I believe, and that works for her. She says having one is the key. So good luck.

 

It's fine to keep Angels singly, I recommend it.

Even a single one will want to be the boss in the tank unless it is unable to dominate the other occupants because they are too big. They expect other fish to move out of their way. This seems to be a cichlid trait.

They are an intelligent fish and need an environment that supports their needs. They need to be able to explore and hunt.

 

From my experience having multiple Angles is having a large tank and well planted makes a difference. They like space, don't want to feel cramped. But every Angel is different. Some can be just down right mean and not tolerate another Angel in their tank.

 

Some can be just down right mean and not tolerate another Angel in their tank.

I think the downright mean ones are the minority personally. Would you agree? I've only had a couple like that over the years. Those ones really frustrate me!! I actually have one right now that I need to rehome. A beautiful platinum.....but just mean!!! Mean and relentless!!!!!

He would attack angels that were four feet away from him hiding in the corner surrounded by plants!! So he's living alone in a 29 gallon until I bring him to the lfs.

A little bit of chasing is ok....even a nip here or there is okay but the Relentless bullying can't happen! That is the sort of thing that will result in the death of the bullied angel.

Edit, worth mentioning I have had that Platinum for quite a while living with other Angels before he turned into a jerk. Unfortunately angels can turn on a dime sometimes.

 

I have a 29 gallon with 1 Angelfish and a Dwarf Gourami male and they get along fine with each other and the Silvertip Tetras in with them. Ive never seen an ounce of aggression from the Angelfish and the Gourami seems to enjoy the Angelfish as company. They are like two peas in a pod. They've been together for at least 3 months now. The Angelfish is about 2 inches and a bit larger then the Gourami now and never bullies. I would probably never add a second one just because I'm sure introducing another would spark aggression.

 

I think the downright mean ones are the minority personally. Would you agree? I've only had a couple like that over the years. Those ones really frustrate me!! I actually have one right now that I need to rehome. A beautiful platinum.....but just mean!!! Mean and relentless!!!!!

He would attack angels that were four feet away from him hiding in the corner surrounded by plants!! So he's living alone in a 29 gallon until I bring him to the lfs.

A little bit of chasing is ok....even a nip here or there is okay but the Relentless bullying can't happen! That is the sort of thing that will result in the death of the bullied angel.

Edit, worth mentioning I have had that Platinum for quite a while living with other Angels before he turned into a jerk. Unfortunately angels can turn on a dime sometimes.

I totally agree!!

My friend where I get my Angels from has a mean DD Black male that killed his mate and she can't pair him up with anybody cause he is just down right vicious!!

But you and I love them so much, that we can't help ourselves!!!