Big bully! What to do?

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by honu hunter, Jan 30, 2013.

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  1. honu hunter

    honu hunter Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2013
    Messages:
    38
    I'm about 2.5 weeks into cycling my 90g. It's my first tank ever and am really enjoying the process so far. A friend who has several tanks brought over 3 Dalmation Mollys almost 2 weeks ago. They seem to be healthy and doing fine, frantic eaters to say the least!

    There are 2 males and 1 female. The bigger male is constantly following the female, and 'getting after her' if you know what I mean. And I mean CONSTANTLY! But he's also very aggressive towards the younger/smaller male. Chases him all around the tank, quite violently. The smaller guy will then retreat to the furthest corners of the tank and hang out on his own, breathing very hard and rapid for quite awhile.

    Could be a totally dumb question, but should I intervene somehow? My only thought would be to get rid of the bigger/aggressive male. I'm guessing that the younger male would begin to pursue the female, but with only one male all would be well.

    I feel quite bad for the little guy getting bullied so bad.

    Thanks
     
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    Your thoughts are right. It would be best to replace one of the males with a female if possible or females to spread out the male's attention. Adding a couple of females could help also.