Strange Moorish Idol Behavior

[Feet4Fish]

This has been going on for a couple of days now. My Moorish Idol keeps going up to my Aussie Tusk and "swipes" him. I am not sure how much he is actually touching the tusk and the tusk does not seem bothered. I haven't noticed any evidence of harm to the tusks body. When this behavior is not happening both fish act perfectly fine and eat very well. Any thoughts?

 

[eatbreakfast]

This has been going on for a couple of days now. My Moorish Idol keeps going up to my Aussie Tusk and "swipes" him. I am not sure how much he is actually touching the tusk and the tusk does not seem bothered. I haven't noticed any evidence of harm to the tusks body. When this behavior is not happening both fish act perfectly fine and eat very well. Any thoughts?

Despite their delicate nature when first acquired, once established moorish idols can be quite feisty. It seems like it's just trying to intimidate the tusk. If the tusk doesn't seem bothered, I wouldn't worry.

 

[DRoth335]

^ agree. After a few months our idol has gone from near the bottom of the pecking order to 2nd in command.

 

[Feet4Fish]

Thanks everyone! I wondered if it was a dominance behavior.