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I recently added a Hap Ahli and 3 peacocks to my 72 G tank (see signature for full stocking).

After a week, the Ahli has established itself as the dominant fish - he is the largest fish by about 1.5 inches. It has taken to hovering in the middle of my tank, and waiting to chase down the other fish who emerge from the rock/cave formations.

The tank is set up with DW and rocks along the side and back of the tank, so it leaves the middle of the tank open for swimming, but I am wondering if I should move some plants and rocks into the middle to obstruct the Ahli's sight lines?

I want to see the other fish swim around, and right now, the Ahli just waits for them to venture out and he chases them right back into hiding??

All the fish are eating ok, and my labs even appear to be breeding - so I don't think it is overly stressful in there - but I don't want the situation to continue.

Am I on the right track with the sight line theory, or are there other aspects I am not considering?

72G Bowfront. 1 Sunshine Peacock, 2 Yellow Labs, 1 Ps. Elongatus, 1 Blue Ahli, 1 Red Kadanga, 1 Mel. Exasperatus, 1 metriaclima emmiltos, 1 Ancistrus.

14.5G 4 Neon Tetras.

You can re-arrange the layout of the tank or take the dominant fish out of the tank for a few days, so the others will choose their place without any problems.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

Blocking his line of sight with plants, and rocks worked well.

I also added a Red Kadanga to the tank, and its actually become a 'friend' with the Ahli?

There is peace in my tank again, and my fish swim freely.

Whew.

72G Bowfront. 1 Sunshine Peacock, 2 Yellow Labs, 1 Ps. Elongatus, 1 Blue Ahli, 1 Red Kadanga, 1 Mel. Exasperatus, 1 metriaclima emmiltos, 1 Ancistrus.

14.5G 4 Neon Tetras.