One aggresive Neon Tetra...help please!

[SadieSari]

Hi,

I'm hoping for some advice please. I have introduced 6 new Neon Tetra in my tank, and I currently had 7 already. Most of them have mixed well with each other, except just one who seems territorial and doesn't let the others go the right hand side of the tank. He chooses to stay away from the others unless the light is off, or I lift the lid. The others try and use the whole 87 litre tank area, but he chases away the Neons that come over to the right. I've tried rearranging plants and décor, but that didn't help. He doesn't do it to any other fish in there. He looks healthy enough, so I'm unsure what to do? I have tried to catch him, but each time I lift the lid he seeks out the others so I've got no hope of identifying him? How can I help the others make the most of the whole tank without being harassed??

 

[Colin_T]

It just sounds like a dominant male that is hanging out in his territory. At night he hangs out with the others for safety but during the day he has his own little man cave

 

[hansgruber7]

Not much you can do. It will probably mellow out over time, but if it remains a problem, you could always try to catch him and take him out. Sometimes if you remove the bully for a few weeks and then reintroduce him it changes the power dynamic.