Strangest behavior in my tank

2 Bolivian rams
1 hillstream loach
6 neon tetras
1 rainbow shark
1 dwarf gourami
In a 55 gallon tank

So as mentioned in a previous post of mine with more specifics on this topic, one of my Bolivian rams has been hiding a lot and has turned a very dark color. By a lot, I mean all day long. I’ve been noticing something very strange…so my rainbow shark has always hid in his little cave.. then he comes out and swims but he loves his little cave. Anyway, the dark Bolivian ram has seem to taken cover in that same cave with the rainbow shark. But the rainbow shark chases away any fish that goes near the cave. Almost as if he’s protecting the Bolivian ram who was previously being chased a lot by the male Bolivian ram.
I’m guessing that’s not a thing but if I’m wrong, let me know. I find it incredibly strange and wanted to share that with you.

 

That is interesstingt. And I think it could be possible,I mean I saw the video with a lion adopting a fawn, A dog that is best friends with a turtle, a goat that rides a donkey... how long have they been in the tank together?

 

I think the rainbow shark is defending the cave for himself, and the ram has realized that it is a safe place to hide.

 

It's possible the shark is protecting the ram in a symbiotic relationship, even if it's just the ram playing space holder for the shark while the shark leaves his spot. Clearly they've come to an arrangement between them to share the space. Lol.

 

This seems pretty normal. The sharks just doing what they did before, because nothing really changed, the other fish isn't a bother.

I have fish of different families who can hang out very close, even touching each other and its not personal or a friendly relationship at all, they just don't care and completely ignore each other. Its like this with my pearl guorami (who are only territorial with each other) and my cichlids (also territorial with each other). They're from other sides of the planet, I always assumed its because the more different fish is not viewed as either a threat or competition for food/space.