Mollies picking on bristlenose

[sarahw20000]

Hi i didn't know whether to post this here or in the catfish forum so feel free to move it if you think it's in the wrong place.

My two new mollies seem to peck at my bristlenose catfish, especially at feeding time when they fight over the algae wafers.

Does anyone else have this problem and do you think it will settle down as the mollies are only new?

Thanks

 

[guppys]

i really dont know what to tell you, it seems very weird though my other fish are scared of my bristlenose plec, i dont really think there hurting your bristlenose plec just after the wafers.

 

[sarahw20000]

Well i noticed that after a bit of pecking from the mollies the catfish thrashed around a bit, hitting them with it's tail but it didn't seem to deter them, they're a bit stupidly brave i think

 

[lilfishie]

I dont think they are hurting it. Its the same with my swordtail shes just after the algae tablets

 

[sarahw20000]

Oh good, i was just a bit worried coz my bristlenose is 4 yrs old and i didn't want any newcomers stressing her out!

 

[jive_bunny]

Hi Sarah,

Just looked at your signature that lists your tank contents and it could be that your getting close to being fully stocked for that 63L (I know it doesnt look much but those fish need room). The mollies probably want to share the same space as the Bristlenose and therefore fighting for territory. I only say this as I had a BN and a HUGE silver gourami in a 54L tank for 4 years or so with no problems. I then decided to stock my tank a little and added 5 baby Angels. Well that was it - The silver gourami then constantly attacked my BN with lots of blood shed as the two where fighting for space (Melaflex at the ready). I removed the gourami to another tank and the BN got on fine with the baby angels. Of course the angels got bigger and the same thing started again. Needless to say the BN was rehomed in a large tank. Not saying this is the case with your mollies but something to consider. That RAM likes lots of space too.

Add

 

[blitztidus]

Do you feed them at the same time? If not, try to so the mollies will be distracted. If they seem to just be intrested it the tablets try to distract the mollies to the other side of the tank. otherwise I am blank.