Royal Gramma Aggression

[dfults]

I bought a royal gramma and purple firefish over the weekend, and placed them both in a 20 gal QT tank. Monday when I got home from work I noticed that the firefish’s tail was completely gone. I had never noticed any aggression from either fish. I have always heard royal grammas referred to as peaceful fish, but I can only assume that the royal gramma had been biting the firefish’s tail. My question is whether or not this is going to be a persistent problem with this specific royal gramma. Did I just get a particularly aggressive fish and am I better off just trying to take it back to my LFS so it doesn’t hurt any other fish in my DT? I can’t believe that it did that much damage that quick, but I don’t know what else would have caused it. I have added some pictures of the firefish’s missing tail and the royal gramma from the day I got it.

 

[dfults]

I bought a royal gramma and purple firefish over the weekend, and placed them both in a 20 gal QT tank. Monday when I got home from work I noticed that the firefish’s tail was completely gone. I had never noticed any aggression from either fish. I have always heard royal grammas referred to as peaceful fish, but I can only assume that the royal gramma had been biting the firefish’s tail. My question is whether or not this is going to be a persistent problem with this specific royal gramma. Did I just get a particularly aggressive fish and am I better off just trying to take it back to my LFS so it doesn’t hurt any other fish in my DT? I can’t believe that it did that much damage that quick, but I don’t know what else would have caused it. I have added some pictures of the firefish’s missing tail and the royal gramma from the day I got it.

Looks like my pictures didn’t post. Let me try again.

 

[bluemon]

Royal Grammas can be quite territorial especially in smaller tanks. Firefish have a similar body shape which could cause aggression.

Funny this is the second thread on these two exact fish this week, but understandable as these are very popular fish.

Edit: Just saw the new image; seems a bit extreme as far as aggression from a basslet goes; could be something else as well but aggression could definitely be an issue

 

[Nano Reef Guy]

I currently have a blackcap, royal gramma and helfrichi firefish togerther in a 29 gallon biocube. They all ignore each other. I think maybe there isn't enough rockwork. Remember, basslets lives in caves and defends its territory. Maybe the firefish went into its territory.