My smaller goldfish is attacking the bigger one?

Question

So, I had two goldfish that were both in separate tanks that were way to small for them. I was finally able to afford a 14 gallon tank, and after running the tank for a while, finally put the fish in them. Well, my smaller goldfish (I'd say he's about an inch, maybe smaller) is seemingly attacking the bigger one (who's about 2 inches, maybe bigger). He was chasing the other one around and rubbing up against my bigger one. When I woke up this morning, both were hiding in the back and I noticed the bigger one had some scales hanging off of him.

Is there any way to stop this behavior? Will the little one stop attacking and will the scales fall off and grow back on the other one?

Answer 1

First off 14 gallons is too small for one goldfish. The general rule is 20 gallons for one goldfish and 10 more for each additional goldfish. Are they the same type of fish? Or is one a fancy and the other a common? Fancies and commons should never mix because of their different body types. Fancies don't swim as well as the commons and have a harder time getting their food. You are going to have to separate them until you get a larger tank or don't even put them in a tank together again. The scales will grow back in time, but he has to be stress free.

Answer 2

they need time based on experience they will get along in due time but the question is when try put the big one first then the small one transfer to the old tank after couple of days put the small one back.  The scale will grow back in due time.

Answer 3

I had this EXACT problem.

For starters, I would start saving for a larger tank, because as goldies grow the more territorial they will become in a small space.

Okay, on to  business...

In rare cases, when goldies go into heat, they can become quite aggressive (to the point of damaging one another). What I do is float a small plastic basket in the top of the tank and put the aggressor in it. (it will become a kind of water cage)

After a few days you can try to let the fish out together again, but keep a close eye. If he gets aggressive, seperate them again.

Answer 4

Ouch. Poor guy. Definitely separate the two fish. Unfortunately fish aren't like dogs, where you can train them and stop specific unwanted behaviors. The scales should repair themselves on your bigger fish in time. I wish I could give you better advice than to separate them, but that's really all that can be done! Sorry! ^-^

Answer 5

Hmm, the tank may be too small, that's why they're attacking each other. The bigger one will grow the scales back though. Maybe they just need to get used to each other before they act normal. I had two guppies who did they same, but they're well now. Good luck!

Answer 6

LET THEM FIGHT TO THE DEATH!