Bent Tail

[Noahs ark6]

hi,one of my harlequins has a really bent tail, its not always had it, and it looks like hes struggling to stay in the middle (he keeps floating up) any help is appreciated
thanks

 

[KittyKat]

Photo? Stocking? Decor?

 

[Noahs ark6]

Photo? Stocking? Decor?

stocking is 1 betta and 5 harlequins, decor is a few live plants and a stone archway, sorry, i can't post a pic

 

[KittyKat]

Does the Betta ever have a go at the harlequins?

 

[Noahs ark6]

Does the Betta ever have a go at the harlequins?
n/quote]
no, my betta is really peacefull, but i have noticed 2 of the harlequins ganging up on the one with the bent tail.

 

[KittyKat]

Yes, schooling fish will almost always pick on the weakest fish.. which is why I recommend 6 as an absolute minimum, 10-20+ as a more realistic minimum. I suspect that the problem is the result of con-specific aggression, combined with the fish someone injuring itself and thus making it the most likely target.

When I say aggression, I do not mean it in quite the traditional sense of "don't eat my food", "I'm the best mate" or "this is my territory", in schooling fish, aggression is more along the lines of picking on the weakest fish so that if a predator attacks, the strongest have the best chance of survival.

 

[swanseastilo]

If it makes you feel better my harlequin has hardly any tail left Thought he was dead when he was hardly moving. Little bit of salt a tank on his own. Hes back up and running minus a tail. Should grow back............. Hopefully.