Why do my fish chase each other?

Question

I have a small pond (500 gallons) which i've just put some new fish in and i've noticed they tend to chase each other. At first i was worried because it seemed to be the same two fish ( a goldfish and a yellow goldfish) but now its almost like their playing a game a tag. The goldfish will chase the yellow goldfish, then the yellow goldfish will chase one of my shubunkins, the shubunkin will chase the other shubunkin and it will go round and round and most my fish will get involved. So should i be worried or is my suspicion right that they are playing?

Answer 1

They could be playing or setting out the pecking order.....but my bet would be that they are mating.

Answer 2

They're establishing dominance.  It will take them a few days to decide who's the boss.  Just keep at eye for torn fins and they'll settle in.

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Answer 3

Even fish like to play every now and then. They are probably playing around but keep an eye on them if they start to get aggresive. Or if there fins begin to look tattered or if some fish are hiding or have injuries. That is when you should be worried but for right now sit back and enjoy them enjoying themselves.

Answer 4

At this stage no mating some fish is bullying I got this koi always hunt by the other I keep on catching everybody and put that koi first then add those who don't hun't her then last couple of days add the bullies now they are friends and just go along just fine.  This usually happens if the tank is overcrowded or you add a new fish.   I got a ranchu before keep on chasing the other ranchu I catch them both and put it in a quarantine tank then I bought more then add them all together they just doing well.