[Electricyellow3]

Just want to say thank you first off for everyone's comments and help in this forum. Y'all have been amazing. My question I have is about territory. I had a OB peacock take guard of my castle I put in the tank. He would stay in there and just come out to eat and scare the other fish away. Something changed recently (I didn't move the castle) and now my yellow lab and red zebra have taken hostage of it and now the peacock just hides in the plants. I guess this is normal behavior for cichlids to take territory away from another? The yellow lab and zebra seem to have taken a liking to each other as well so maybe they are using it to try and spawn? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[fish_gazer]

I've found fish hierarchy to be as perplexing as the fish themselves. It's intriguing to watch but nothing we can control short of removing bullies or those being bullied. I've done the former and ended up with a group that for the most part get along great.

 

[Electricyellow3]

I've found fish hierarchy to be as perplexing as the fish themselves. It's intriguing to watch but nothing we can control short of removing bullies or those being bullied. I've done the former and ended up with a group that for the most part get along great.

Yeah I can sit for hours and watch them. They don't seem to bullly too much, just checking into their new home and evicting the other. I feel bad for the guy lol I'm sure he will be back to king of the castle soon.

 

[fish_gazer]

I've found fish hierarchy to be as perplexing as the fish themselves. It's intriguing to watch but nothing we can control short of removing bullies or those being bullied. I've done the former and ended up with a group that for the most part get along great.

Yeah I can sit for hours and watch them. They don't seem to bullly too much, just checking into their new home and evicting the other. I feel bad for the guy lol I'm sure he will be back to king of the castle soon.

It's great that you don't have any bullies.

My previous alpha male (who was at one time the sub-dominant male) was booted from his perch by a newcomer. I could almost see him brooding, it was so funny. He has settled in into the number 2 spot and kept his color. The fish that replaced him as the alpha male is not a bully at all. He just kind of floats through the tank and everyone gets out of his way. I really like him for that.

My first alpha male however, was a complete yay hole. He would fly all over the tank at supersonic speeds being an absolute menace to everyone. Initially, I was torn on whom to get rid of; him, or one of the fish he was bullying. I loved his color but eventually got rid of him and it was the best decision I made. :dancing:

 

[Electricyellow3]

Well I hope I don't have to get rid of any. I'll make them play nice if they misbehave haha. I'm sure when I move things around in about a month they will find new spots. Thanks again for the information.