Need Advice- Aggressive Bristlenose

[Obsidian]

Hello,

I have a 20 gallon tall with 8 black neon tetras, 5 cherry barbs, 3 peppered coryadoras, 1 dwarf gourami, 2 otocinculus cats, and one bristlenose pleco. This tank is about 8-9 months old now. The bristlenose has been in the tank for about 2 months now and was the last addition.

My bristlenose seems to be very protective of food that sinks. I have been watching her attack other fish for several seconds at a time before they can get away from her. She mostly seems to like going after the Cories. Tonight is the first time I have seen her do this.

My question is how dangerous is this behavior? Can they withstand some of this? Or should I bring her back to the fish store due to her aggression? She only does it when I feed the sinking food (1-2 times a week), and I am careful to spread that across as much of the tank as possible. I notice that everyone (not just the bottom feeders) gets more aggressive during this time, but with her she is able to actually attack. I don't want my Cories to be hurt.

I am going to try increasing the frequency of feeding sinking food. I have not been worried about this because everyone comes to the top for flakes. But I am thinking it might be that they are protective because they do not get enough of the sinking foods.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. I really like her but I am worried about the others.

Thanks to anyone who answers.

Obsidian

 

[Obsidian]

Is there a better place to post this kind of question? Or do people just not know? Is there a forum I can go to where folks might know? The last time I asked that question I was sent to this forum, but so far although there is more activity here, there are still no answers. I really want to go someplace where there are some answers.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[billy0510]

Im not a what u call a fish expert but it might be a overstocking problem sounds like alot of fish for a 20 gallon tank. how big is you bristlenose?? i believe they get about 5" or so might get to big with your present fish in a 20 gallon.

 

[Tolak]

I have plenty of tanks with bristlenose & corys, 20 highs to boot. The bristlenose are more aggressive eaters than the corys, try to provide more fresh veggies, such as zuccini for the plec. Corys don't really prefer these, plecs love them. You can let the plec munch on zuke, while you feed a heavier protein food to the corys.

The corys are catfish, and pretty sturdy, a little bump & chase won't hurt them. If he is serious about doing damage the plec will be chasing them around the tank, trying to pin them into corners where he can give them a nasty spike. I've seen this behavior with maturing male bristlenose in a tank that is too small to offer enough territory for both.