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The primary reason for fighting fish within an aquarium is incompatibility. Fish, as a general rule, are very defensive, territorial creatures. In their natural surroundings, food and shelter are readily available. However, in an aquarium environment, it can be a bit more challenging for the fish to manage. Placing aggressive or incompatible fish in the tank with a more submissive species can lead to a host of problems including fungal infections, bacterial infections, parasites and fighting, injury or death.
Many aquarists who are just starting out, fail to take the necessary time to gather the knowledge needed for a successful aquarium. Careful planning before you make your investment is crucial. Taking the time to gather information can help prevent the issues brought on by incompatibility, and ensure the peace and tranquility of your tank.
First of all, do your research. There are plenty of books, websites, magazines, etc. regarding the fish species featuring tons of information about care, compatibility, disease, and behaviors. Also, consult your favorite pet store prior to purchasing your equipment and fish. They should be able to provide you with all the information you need regarding the tendencies of the fish they carry in their store, as well as care, upkeep and feeding.
A few additional guidelines to follow which can help prevent fighting and aggressive behavior among your fish :
1. Choose fish of different varieties, colors, and sizes
2. Choose a good assortment of top and bottom feeders
3. Make sure your aquarium is large enough to accommodate the number of fish living in the it - overcrowding can stress out your fish and lead to aggressive behaviors.
4. Feed your fish a healthy diet, and offer a variety of flakes and pellets, but do not overfeed. Most adults need only one 3 or 4 minute feeding per day.
5. Create plenty of hiding places in the tank - use rock, driftwood, plants, etc. to create areas where the less aggressive fish can find a safe haven.
6. Should you acquire an fighting, overly aggressive fish, glass partitions are available from your pet store to separate them from the rest of the population in the tank.
A desire and willingness to learn more about the species can go a long way towards acquiring the right balance in the tank. With a little research and planning, it is relatively easy to avoid aggressive, fighting fish within your tank, resulting in a more peaceful, stress-free aquarium.
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