I have 6 Rainbowfish in My 56 Gallon tall tank classified as "Australian" however they are two sub-types. My Male to female ratio is 4F-2M as recommended by many. My local LFS has told me that since these species do crossbreed its okay to mix them. He said technically I should less aggression with 2 Males and 4 Females as opposed to 1 Male and 2 Females. I have had the two males (A Goyder River Rainbow AKA Melanotaenia trifasciata) and an Eastern Rainbowfish AKA Melanotaenia Splendida longer than my females. Both are about 7 month old but were also fairly mature when purchased. They are now 4 inches each and getting very thick and colorful! Initially I was misinformed by a different fish store telling me not to mix sexes if I had less that 6. So at one point I had 4 males and no females. The females have been in the tank for about 4 months now.
Earlier on, the males would often flash at each other and at the females, but now its getting to the point where I am starting to see some fin injuries. They have also been shoving my Black Marble Angelfish who is At least 4 inches tall now into the corner. She has been snapping back, but has not done harm. So here are my questions... I am going to list out possibilities of what I am possibly doing wrong and it would be fantastic if people could give me some advice.... Thanks! :-D
The Two Males Sparring:
[/url]2014-12-17 16.13.28 by kmac325xi, on Flickr[/IMG]
Possible issue #1:
I know my tank is overstocked . I am well aware and to have to break my back to keep water parameters ideal. However I am still saving a little more money so I can upgrade maybe to something like a 75g. I also have some space problems I am trying to work out My 56 Gallon Tank is not 48 inches like a traditional 55g, it is 30in in length X 24 height X 18 Width. I am starting to think the swimming space might be a big problem contributing to the aggression.
Possible issue #2:
Maybe the LFS was wrong about mixing Goyder River and Eastern Rainbows. In other words, Ideally the best situation would be to just keep 6 of one type or get a bigger tank and have 6 of both types 2F:1M Ratio.
Possible issue #3: My tank is too Crowded with fake plants, rocks, and ornaments not hindering swimming space. See pick below. I know real plants are better, but in the past I have had such a brown thumb with them LOL.
So I know #1 is most likely the biggest issue.... But are #2 and #3 making things worse?
Tank/Plants........
[/url]2014-12-17 16.22.00 by kmac325xi, on Flickr[/IMG]
[/url]2014-12-17 16.24.36 by kmac325xi, on Flickr[/IMG]
Earlier on, the males would often flash at each other and at the females, but now its getting to the point where I am starting to see some fin injuries. They have also been shoving my Black Marble Angelfish who is At least 4 inches tall now into the corner. She has been snapping back, but has not done harm. So here are my questions... I am going to list out possibilities of what I am possibly doing wrong and it would be fantastic if people could give me some advice.... Thanks! :-D
The Two Males Sparring:
Possible issue #1:
I know my tank is overstocked . I am well aware and to have to break my back to keep water parameters ideal. However I am still saving a little more money so I can upgrade maybe to something like a 75g. I also have some space problems I am trying to work out My 56 Gallon Tank is not 48 inches like a traditional 55g, it is 30in in length X 24 height X 18 Width. I am starting to think the swimming space might be a big problem contributing to the aggression.
Possible issue #2:
Maybe the LFS was wrong about mixing Goyder River and Eastern Rainbows. In other words, Ideally the best situation would be to just keep 6 of one type or get a bigger tank and have 6 of both types 2F:1M Ratio.
Possible issue #3: My tank is too Crowded with fake plants, rocks, and ornaments not hindering swimming space. See pick below. I know real plants are better, but in the past I have had such a brown thumb with them LOL.
So I know #1 is most likely the biggest issue.... But are #2 and #3 making things worse?
Tank/Plants........