RandomWiktor
Rabid Betta Activist
I have two 2 y.o (~ 7 in) common goldfish in my 75g tank. I've noticed over the past few weeks that their interactions have become seemingly agressive; the smaller of the two especially will ruthlessly chase the larger, usually head-butting his/her flanks and underbelly. Sometimes they'll both circle, nipping at each other, and it can go on for as long as 15 minutes. One even hurt his/her fin on the cave trying to get away.
However, I am aware that goldfish will also chase during mating season. I do not know the sexes of my fish (tried, but couldn't really tell), so I'm sure it is possible that I have a male and a female, esp. since one is so much larger when they're both the same age. I haven't seen any eggs though, so is it possible that I have two same-gender fish and they are fighting out of some kind of frustration or territoriality? The fighting gets especially bad right after feeding.
Any advice on what could be causing this would be great.
edit: Tangaloor, the smaller of the two who is picking all of the fights, is starting to get breeding tubricles, so I guess that explains it. So, now my question is: how do you find and destroy eggs, because I do NOT have the space, time, or money for babies, and I refuse to sell feeders.
However, I am aware that goldfish will also chase during mating season. I do not know the sexes of my fish (tried, but couldn't really tell), so I'm sure it is possible that I have a male and a female, esp. since one is so much larger when they're both the same age. I haven't seen any eggs though, so is it possible that I have two same-gender fish and they are fighting out of some kind of frustration or territoriality? The fighting gets especially bad right after feeding.
Any advice on what could be causing this would be great.
edit: Tangaloor, the smaller of the two who is picking all of the fights, is starting to get breeding tubricles, so I guess that explains it. So, now my question is: how do you find and destroy eggs, because I do NOT have the space, time, or money for babies, and I refuse to sell feeders.