Hi,

I have a 15 gallon coldwater tank, a great filter and loads of air bubbles. I do a 1/4 water change every 2 or 3 weeks. Being in Scotland our water is nice and soft, although I do of course chorine treat the water I use.

I have one large fantail, two middle sized fantails and two small fantails. Recently, all four of the smaller fish have been chasing the larger round the tank, completely buried under her(?) beautiful tail, as if they are nibbling at her bum.

Does this mean she is a female and is spawning or something? I don't see any spawn, but then if this is what is happening it looks like the spawn is being eaten as soon as it comes out her!

Or is this a sign of some sort of illness? Apart from this, they all seem healthy and active, and they all eat well.......I've only added the wee ones in the past month and I was concerned they may get picked on by the bigger, but there is loads of hiding space for the wee ones and I have seen no sign on bullying, and they are def getting some food, cos they have grown a wee bit already.

So the only problem is my big girl/guy getting chased at her bum by all the other, although not all at the same time. The large fish doesn't seem particularly concerned, there are no visible signs of injury or trauma, it's just odd!

Anyone? I'd hate to miss something and have any of them go downhill cos I'v ignored a potential problem.

Fantailer is right that you are way over-stocked. I have a 50gallon with 3 fish in it

Funnily enough my 2 little boys are chasing my large girl at the moment,, and she is wrecking my plants, trying to spawn


If you can't afford an immediate tank upgrade you can use a strong plastic storage box with filter!

 [image]


(Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.)

look at the gill covers of the chasers, are they showing spots? are the leading edges of their pectorals showing spots...If so this is mating behaviour. Miy fish are doing exactly what yours are doing, the males are trying to induce spawning.My female is rubbing against plants to try and lay eggs


one further thing, is that you might want to make larger water changes(50%), and do it in a weekly basis

here is a video of mating behaviour

(Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.)
	(Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.) | (Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.)