FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hello folks,

This question is purely academic rather than an actual consideration for a stocking plan...

Since CAEs seem to be SUCH a pain towards other fish as they mature, what if a few were kept? Obviously, owing to the adult size, a large tank would be needed, and I guess in that case there are far more appealing bottom feeders...

I'm just thinking though: if there were enough, wouldn't the natural aggression just be spread between the CAEs rather than being directed at other species? And whilst maybe if there were only 2, one would always be the foil for the other's bullying, surely if, say, 4-5+ were kept the aggression would be more evenly spread out?

I'd especially like to hear from anyone who has actually done this with multiple adults, but general feelings from others would also be welcomed.

Oh, and one more time, just so everyone doesn't think I'm insane: no, I'm not planning on doing this I'm just being plain hypothetical/curious is all

Cheers,
Dex

It is possible that their actual aggression would be spread just between their own species, but the semi-parasitic slime coat sucking towards other fish would still remain. This is just something the species does, even in the wild.

---

I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

dextroze

I have 6 SAE in my tank (see My Profile) and I have never noticed any bad behaviour at all.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

He's talking about CAEs though... Completely different fish.

---

I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

Thanks for the replies so far

I wasn't aware that the slime coat sucking was natural behaviour towards other fish, I always just presumed it was the way CAEs "fought" when they could get their "hands" on "someone" else, so thanks for the info

I've had them on and off over the years and they always seem to escape from even a real well covered tank when young, grow old and "agro" (at which point I have always just passed them back to the shop) or have a nasty habit of what I presume is "braining" themselves by running into the side of tank.

Me and my curious grey-matter came up with another question re: CAEs... I have noticed that when a "dominant" CAE gets real worked up and goes after a subordinate one, the lateral stripe disappears, leaving just the spots on the rest of the body in the way of coloration. I've noticed this in even young CAEs (2 - 3 inches). Also, it seems to me that subordinate CAEs have a generally darker tone...

Now, with that in mind, I'm wondering this: if the stripe is used as some form of signalling device of dominance/aggression, how would that bode for a "natural" CAE mixed with one of the Golden morphs? Would the Golden have a natural advantage when it came to being higher in the pecking order (everything else like size etc being equal)? Or maybe since they are so pale and subordinate CAEs may tend to be darker that would help? But then there is possibility of the contrast of the dots (extra visible when dominant and in "chasing" mode, hard to see in a subordinate due to the darker surrounding coloration, and not present at all in a Golden)... hmmmmm

Regards and thanks,
Dex



Last edited by dextroze at 03-Oct-2004 03:03

Not sure about the follow-up question, but as to the former - one of the ways many people keep CAEs, knowing their potential to become aggressive, is in groups in tanks of fish that are fast, preferably slim, and can take care of themselves, ie Mbuna, certain other cichlid mixes, biiiiig community tanks (Bala Sharks, plecs, etc), and so on. This seems to work out fairly well, and they certainly are beautiful, enjoyable fish - they just have their own needs! IMO they're a great species tank candidate, big pretty 12" sharky things swimming around. But most of the time, the good ol' SAE is a safer bet. Great fish.

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

Cory Addict

Now I know I need new glasses. Sorry about the mix up.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW