Ram bully

In late October I got 2 GBRs, hoping they would pair up. Turns out, they were both males. Anyway, the little one has really started to bully the big guy, even though they have a 40 gallon tank to swim around in. The big one is now always very pale, and while the little one is stunning, I feel bad for the big guy, and he isn't too pretty anymore. How should I stop them, if it's possible?

 

get a tank divider?

 

I could, but it would affect all the other fishies too... might not be a bad idea though, I have too many male guppy fry from my last batch, so the girls are outnumbered 2 to 4

 

get them some girls

 

I have little girls in my 10G, but they aren't big enough. Soon though, I hope to either get girls, or get rid of boys- I found a store that will take them.

 

much more plants and rocks and such. Blocks sight line and gets other interests going.

 

There's a good idea- I could make another cave, and the store I'm visiting on Saturday has great live plants. Dividers cost a lot too...

I'm considering taking out the dominant ram for a day or two and putting him in the 10G so the other one can establish his territory again.

 

Any chance of getting one of the males to a lfs and have it changed for a female?

 

Nope- I'm on vacation 4 hours from home, and the store is in the middle of the return trip.

 

I had that problem in my 45, even with females. the dominant male wanted all the females and the entire tank. I had to separate them.

Have you tried giving the fish a firm talking to? You gotta show it you are the boss.

 

What sort of talking to do you mean?

 

Well, first thing I'd do is put it in a plastic breeder cage. Then you can be sure you are getting eye contact with it - very important. Now, with a stern face, shake your finger back and forth as you tell the fish how disappointed you are in it's behavior. If it doesn't wink at you, it didn't get the message. then you might have to resort to yelling and threatening the fish with bodily harm. That usually gets their attention real quick.

 

I'll try that

 

Update: Well, I got home from vacation, and the big ram was starting to show a little more color in all his spots, the little one wasn't as showy. Hopefully this means they'll start getting along better. I also added 2 new plants, which may help.