AboutAmber Worman Expertise I specialize in Gouramis, Black Moors, Fantail goldfish, and Bettas. I can answer questions about fish behavior, tank mates, diseases, and living conditions. I do not have much experience with breeding these types of fish, however.
Experience Fish are my passion - I have raised these types of fish for as long as I can remember. I am a college student at Purdue University where I have a major in Biology and a position as a lab technician in a fish laboratory.
Expert: Amber Worman Date: 1/17/2008 Subject: fantail behaviour and tank mates
Question i have got 3 fantails 2 of which always seem to chase each other and looks like they are biting eachother rears.
is this normal behavior?
also i was wondering if i could put a cold water bottom feeder in with them and not cause any concerns for them?
will await reply
thanks
Answer Hello Toby-
Your fantails are establishing dominance (or going through a mating ritual, if you have males and females.) It's normal behavior, as long as your fantails aren't getting hurt. Be sure that there are no open sores and that there are plenty of spaces for them to hide to escape from each other. The biting should calm down as the fish get used to each other. If you spot an open sore, add a dose of Melafix or aquarium salt to help the wound heal.
As for a bottom feeder, it would be fine to add one, as long as you have enough room in your tank. Plecos produce a lot of waste and grow very fast, so you may want to find a fish that will not outgrow your tank.
