A. Cacatuoides bullying behavior

[toudes]

Purchased two cacatuoides a few weeks ago (they're only about an inch long). Very new to them and was wondering if some of you could give your take on the recent bullying between them.

The bully (same fish all the time) chases the other away upon making eye contact with him/her. It's to the point where the one being bullied no longer wants to come out from hiding. Never thought I'd be dealing with this behavior at this size. Is this normal behavior? Should I separate them?

Also wondering if they can be sexed at this age. One is more yellow/ darker than the other. I've attached photos of each.

P.S. The lighter one is the bully.

 

[MacZ]

Welcome.

You are new to them in like new to cichlids in general? The fact you speak of bullying makes me think so.

Cichlids always bicker, fight and chase each other. That's why structuring a tank is very important.

It's probably somewhat early to safely sex them.

What are the dimensions of the tank and could you probably post a picture of the whole tank?

 

[anewbie]

The first looks like a female; the 2nd I have no clue - not even sure it is a cockatoo.