Royal Dottyback not getting along with the PJ

[jerseyguy1996]

I added a royal dottyback and a pajama cardinal to my 50 gallon set up last weekend. At first everything seemed fine but now the dottyback has decided that the entire aquarium is his and chases the PJ around the tank constantly. He doesn't mess with the maroon clown or the foxface though. Is there anything I can do or are they just not destined to be in the same tank together?

[Geoff]

that is what dottybacks do. pseudochromis are monsters. they are right up there with damsels. the PJ cardinal is chased more because it is wanting to go in the aquascaping. this is where the dottyback thinks is his and only his place.

G~

[jerseyguy1996]

Originally Posted by Geoff

that is what dottybacks do. pseudochromis are monsters. they are right up there with damsels. the PJ cardinal is chased more because it is wanting to go in the aquascaping. this is where the dottyback thinks is his and only his place.

G~

I really like them both and would love to keep them but is there anything that I can do about this or does one of these fish just need to go back to the store? I was thinking about getting a second PJ......will that help to keep the dottyback in check or will it just be more fresh meat for him?

[Geoff]

i would just return the dottyback if you can catch it. get a fairy/flasher wrasse. much more mellow and can be just as pretty.

G~

[jerseyguy1996]

Originally Posted by Geoff

i would just return the dottyback if you can catch it. get a fairy/flasher wrasse. much more mellow and can be just as pretty.

G~

Oh man......I like the dottyback because of the way he swims. Maybe I will return the PJ. Will two dottybacks get along?

[skeety]

two of the same species? or two different kinds?

Either way, it can be pretty iffy...

[jerseyguy1996]

Well I managed to catch the PJ......after chasing him around the rock work for about 3 hours. I felt so bad doing it because he was being chased by my net, but everytime he went into the rock work to hide, the dottyback would chase him out, so he was probably feeling like this was the worst day ever. He eventually just kind of gave up which made me feel even worse.....like I broke his spirit or something......but I had to get him out to save him from the dottyback. Well I dropped him into the sump so that he could be alone and grow back all of his nipped up fins and last I checked he seemed pretty content so that made me happy again.