harlequin tusk question

smitty65 · 06-20-2007, 02:59 AM

I purchased a tusk about 2 weeks ago. I thought with his aggression level he would be a perfect fit in my FOWLR tank. Well, he isn't. My tomato clown has pestered him to the point that he stays hiding by one of my power heads. He looks pretty rough; with tattered tail fins and just the look of being beat up. My LFS guy can't believe that the tusk is being bullied as it is supposed to be a fish that rules the tank and not vise versa. Will this behavior with the clown stop eventually? How long will it take for the tusk to assert himself in the tank ? I don't want to lose this fish but the only other tank I have is a 55g reef and there are too many tasty shrimp and such for him to be put in there. I do have some extra egg crate and thought of sticking that in as a divider. Would that work or would it just postpone the inevitable ? Thanks !

Tangster · 06-20-2007, 05:39 AM

They are a somewhat territorial fish and can be very aggressive with their own species But they are not the Mike Tyson's of the tank.. In that they are crazy mean .. After he in in there he will set a territorial limit and the Clown will not be allowed so much.

Breed · 06-21-2007, 03:48 AM

I would try the crate... just give him some time to settle in and once he is ready, the true devil will come out. I had one in my tank, which decided to devour two firefish the same size as him, as soon as i dropped them into the tank. It was a nice $60 meal for him... but not so nice for me!!

They will become very aggressive once they establish themselves in the tank!! Just look at those crazy blue teeth they have!! However maroon clowns are just as nasty.

Good luck working it out!!

Breed