Firefish Nipping Each Other

[pal98111]

I bought two firefish (mistake). The smaller of the two has been nipping at the larger who doesn't seem to make any effort to move away. I've read that they don't fight if put in the tank at the same time (which I did). I've also read never to keep two together unless they are a M/F pair. The larger one has started to put his tail (which is looking serrated) out of reach of the smaller one. Do you think a mirror will help distract the smaller one or should I just remove it (probably nearly impossible). I've seen firefish together in tanks looking peaceful beside each other. Apparently, I didn't watch them long enough. Grrrr. Thoughts?

 

[blaxsun]

You can try the mirror; it seems to work flawlessly for wrasses but can be hit and miss for other types of fish.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

how big is the tank? cohabitation often depends on tank size

 

[shakacuz]

i have 2, and added them in together. they do this occasionally, and the bigger of the two seems to be the more dominant one.

are there any torn fins, or wounds? if not, i wouldn't be too concerned unless the one getting bullied is hiding all the time.

 

[Floyd-]

I have 2 firefish in a 25 Lagoon and they are best of friends. No issues with mine.

 

[pal98111]

how big is the tank? cohabitation often depends on tank size

10 gallon

 

[bluemon]

10 gallon

Yea Two firefish in a 10 gallon is NEVER going to work

when even one is pushing it in my opinion.

What other fish do you have in the tank?

 

[pal98111]

No other fish

 

[bluemon]

Not sure what to tell you, you will have to get rid of one. Should be easy enough in a 10 gallon. Get the water level low enough and they'll be easy to catch

 

[pal98111]

Not sure what to tell you, you will have to get rid of one. Should be easy enough in a 10 gallon. Get the water level low enough and they'll be easy to

I bought two firefish (mistake). The smaller of the two has been nipping at the larger who doesn't seem to make any effort to move away. I've read that they don't fight if put in the tank at the same time (which I did). I've also read never to keep two together unless they are a M/F pair. The larger one has started to put his tail (which is looking serrated) out of reach of the smaller one. Do you think a mirror will help distract the smaller one or should I just remove it (probably nearly impossible). I've seen firefish together in tanks looking peaceful beside each other. Apparently, I didn't watch them long enough. Grrrr. Thoughts?

The victim died. Not the preferred outcome but problem is solved nonetheless.