Female Swallowtail Angelfish is a Terror!

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by kcbrad, Jan 12, 2013.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    I thought these were peaceful fish - My girl is so mean!! She latches onto other guys' tails and won't let go!

    Anyone else have a mean swallowtail?! Any ideas what I can do? She might have to go back to the store....
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. jbraslins

    jbraslins Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    Messages:
    805
    Location:
    Wake Forest, NC
    Now we know why they are called swallowtails :)
     
    2 people like this.
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    LMAO!

    Seriously though, removing her is probably your only option; IMOPE, fish cannot be "tamed". You might be fine with a different specimen, though- it's not unusual to find one individual from a peaceful species to be a terror (or vice versa, for that matter).
     
    1 person likes this.
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    Welcome back Kacy, sorry to hear about the troubles.

    I think sending her back may be your only option.
     
    1 person likes this.
  6. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Ha! I love the swallowtail joke. I hadn't thought about that!! :D

    She's my dream fish! I am really upset about this :(

    It all started after a rock re-do. I wonder if that had anything to do with it, or if that is just coincidence?!
     
  7. madison1

    madison1 Plankton

    Joined:
    May 30, 2012
    Messages:
    23
    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    Makes me wonder...do they put said returned fish in a special quarantined tank, with a sign on the tank warning she's a biter? (like the animal shelter)
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    It is possible but rock re-do usually slows aggression down. Keep us notified how it goes. Maybe she will settle back down.
     
  10. tank1970

    tank1970 Bubble Tip Anemone

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2010
    Messages:
    693
    could have moved or eliminated the sleeping spot - this happened to me with a pbt - sweet fish moved some rocks for coral placement. took a week of harassment and nasty tail swipes. but all seems fine now.
     
  11. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    That's encouraging. Let's hope!

    She will go after my flame angel a tiny bit, but the flame is a tough cookie and turns around and fights back. Then it's over and done and no one is traumatized.

    But my flame wrasse, poor guy. He is such a placid fish, he has been in hiding for like a week over it :( He's the one whose tail she latches onto and won't let go.

    Maybe it's the bright colors?!
     
  12. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    My flame wrasse was dead this morning :cry::cry: