hoingei is attacking the trifasciata

[crashlander]

I have had a trifasciata and a Nigerian green in a 20g. Recently, I just added a hoingei. The Nigerian and trifasciata is about 2 inches, the hoingei a little bit bigger maybe 2.25 or 2.5 inches

The hoingei immediately staked out the only driftwood in the tank and chases the other 2. The Nigerian green seems OK...but the trifasciata hides all the time, even when feeding.

Is this an adjustment stage that will gradually pass?
Is the hoingei simply staking out territory and is harmless or is he a bully?

The fish store told me the hoingei is peaceful.....should I ignore it or get more decors so each of them will have a corner to hide? All 3 are males, by the way.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[farm41]

I have a pair with fry, and they will not tolerate anything else in their territory, Cory's or SAE's are run out quickly and fiercely. They are in a 38g tank and use most of it. I don't know about single males though, sorry.

 

[Neil]

crashlander,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

That's an interesting assortment of males in a tank. All three of those fish can rangs in their aggressiveness. As farm41 said hoignei can be quite territorial. Although they are supposed to be fairly mellow, I have often found trifasciata to be a little mean (at least to each other). Pelvicachromis taeniatus are usually not too affected by apistos and can easily hold their own against them. But there are exceptions to the rule for all Dwarfs. If you intend to keep these three fish together (especially if you want to add a mate for any of them), it would be highly advisable to add alot more structure to the tank (plants, rocks, wood, caves, etc.). With out objects to form territories all that remains is the tank walls. Somebody is going to have a bad time of it.
Do you only have on tank that is suitable for these types of fish? If not, you may want to pull the hoignei (since he is the trouble maker) and give him new quarters. If so, add more structure! The trifasciata should be OK, if he can grab a little piece of turf for himself. They are kind of shy and hide alot IME, but will be more comfortable with places to hide and probably end up showing himself more.
Neil