Most rainbowfish species aren’t aggressive. They’re social, friendly, and thrive in groups of six or more. However, they do show aggression while feeding or when kept in a constrained environment. The male rainbowfish also become aggressive and fight with each other during the breeding season.
Let’s now understand in detail why rainbowfish show aggression.
Main Reasons Why Rainbowfish Get Aggressive
Rainbowfish are usually kept in community aquariums because of their friendly and social behavior.
However, rainbowfish aren’t always docile and friendly.
There are times when these fish show aggression toward each other and other tankmates.
Given below are the main reasons why rainbowfish display aggressive behavior.
Overstocked Aquarium
Rainbowfish are excellent swimmers and need a lot of space for swimming.
In the absence of enough space, they get stressed and aggressive.
Many aquarists have reported their rainbowfish getting aggressive toward other tankmates.
They display their aggression by flashing at one another, bullying, chasing, biting, and fin nipping.
Feeding Time
Rainbowfish show aggression during feeding time.
Many fishkeepers report that their rainbows don’t allow other fish in the aquarium to eat.
As a result, the other docile tankmates don’t get enough food to eat.
This leads to further challenges, such as the docile fish becoming frail and perishing due to a lack of eating opportunities.
Small Group
Rainbowfish are schooling fish and must be kept in a group of six or more as they’re social and like the company of their kind.
However, many fishkeepers make the mistake of keeping a smaller group or more than one male fish in a small tank.
This results in the dominant fish picking on the docile fish of the same kind.
Mating And Spawning
Rainbowfish display aggressive behavior during the mating period.
The dominant male becomes territorial and aggressive toward tankmates while breeding.
Having more than one male rainbowfish can also create problems.
The dominant male rainbowfish will chase and attack the other males to successfully breed with the female rainbow.
Are Rainbowfish Fin Nippers?
Rainbowfish are primarily peaceful.
Their friendly, energetic, and social behavior is why rainbowfish are an excellent option for community tanks.
However, being energetic makes them swift swimmers.
So it’s best not to keep them with fish that are sluggish or slow swimmers, as rainbowfish can bully them.
Multiple reports have indicated that rainbowfish are known to nip the fins of their tankmates.
Besides fin injuries, there have also been reports of injuries to the bodies of their tankmates.
It’s also well-known that rainbowfish show aggressive behavior during feeding time.
So it can become a challenge to feed the other slow and docile fish residing in the same aquarium.
It’s best to keep rainbowfish with tankmates of their size that exhibit similar behavior to avoid any untoward incidents.
Will Rainbowfish Fatally Injure Other Fish?
Rainbowfish are primarily peaceful.
However, male rainbowfish can get territorial and aggressive during the mating season and engage in chasing and fighting the other male rainbowfish.
Some aquarists have reported incidents where the dominant male rainbowfish have fatally injured other males of the same species during the breeding season.
So keeping two male rainbowfish of the same species in a community tank isn’t recommended.
If you want to keep multiple male rainbowfish, you must choose a large tank to create more space for the male fish.
Ways To Curb Rainbowfish Aggression
Rainbowfish are primarily social with their tankmates but can become aggressive in certain situations.
So it’s essential to provide conditions that can help them live in harmony.
Given below are some ways to curb the aggression of your rainbowfish.
Provide Proper Size Tank
Rainbowfish need adequate swimming space.
So you must use a 15-gallon elongated tank to accommodate six or more small rainbows.
Rainbowfish species larger than 3 inches must be kept in at least a 30-gallon tank.
Increase the tank size by 2 gallons for each additional small rainbowfish and 5 gallons for each additional large rainbowfish.
Feed The Fish Separately
Rainbowfish in community tanks often show aggression during feeding times.
So it’s recommended to feed them on one side of the aquarium.
Once you have moved the rainbowfish to one side, you can feed the other tankmates on the opposite side of the aquarium.
This will allow the other fish to satiate their hunger.
Keep Ideal School Size
Rainbowfish get along well with their kind and do best in groups of six or more.
Rainbowfish of different species can be kept together if similar in size.
A ratio of 3 females to 2 males helps reduce aggression.
Besides being docile and hardy, rainbowfish should be kept in community tanks with equally friendly fish species.
Rainbowfish live in the middle and top of the tank, so they usually won’t cause problems for bottom-living species.
Minimize Bullying And Stress
The dominant male rainbowfish will bully other males in smaller groups.
In some cases, it can fatally injure the other males. So increase the size of the school to minimize bullying and stress.
Setting up a larger tank can also help as it creates a lot of space for the other fish to set up their territories.
Related Questions
Are boesemani rainbowfish aggressive?
No, boesemani rainbowfish aren’t aggressive.
They can be skittish and dart across the tank or seek refuge if they feel threatened.
These fish are more confident when part of a shoal.
Danios, Tiger Barbs, Rasboras, and other rainbowfish are good tankmates for these rainbowfish.
Are Australian rainbowfish aggressive?
Australian rainbowfish aren’t aggressive.
They’re friendly, peaceful fish that do well with other rainbowfish and in community tanks.
However, overly aggressive or timid tankmates will make them bullies. So it’s best to keep them with fish that have similar behavior.
Are turquoise rainbowfish aggressive?
Turquoise rainbowfish aren’t aggressive. On the contrary, they’re very active and playful by nature.
However, keeping them with aggressive tankmates can make them aggressive and territorial.
So it’s best to keep them in a school with proper omnivore diet and tank conditions.
Are dwarf rainbowfish aggressive?
Dwarf rainbowfish aren’t aggressive.
They’re generally peaceful when kept with their kind or other docile community fish of the size and temperament.
However, the dominant male dwarf rainbow can get territorial and aggressive toward other male rainbows during the breeding season.
Are red rainbowfish aggressive?
Red rainbowfish aren’t aggressive. They’re shoaling fish that like to live with their kind.
They can also live in a community tank with other fish of similar size and temperament.
However, red rainbowfish display aggression during breeding, but they’re relatively peaceful otherwise.
