goldfish gang warfare

[saaebn]

I originally had 5 large goldfish in my tank. For over a month they all lived together happily until three of the fish started picking on one of the other fish. They would chase it around a bit and then back off so I wasnt too worried until they started boxing him into a corner and ramming him as hard as they could. It was stressful to watch. I didnt think the goldfish would survive that so I finally put him in a friends pond where he died a couple days later. I am thinking all the stress was just too much for him! Anyhow I thought the fighting would be over and was surprised to see my 3 goldfish bullies start to pick on the remaining goldfish. He usually just stayed out of their way so I dont know what caused this. The fighting then got so bad that 3 days ago I cleaned out my pond and put him in there. He is doing fine now. The 3 remaining goldfish are fine now, but I am wondering why all the fighting in the first place? Plus, I have them in a 75 [acronym:284175f40e="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:284175f40e] tank and so 3 goldfish make it seem a bit empty. I would like to get two more but am worried that the fighting will begin again. My hubby-who is not really into fish- just says to get rid of all my goldfish and start over. I dont want to have to do that . Any advice?

Thanks
Stacie

[Terry]

All you say is that you had 5 large goldfish, you don't say how large. may be your goldfish felt a bit cramped and wanted to make some more room. They definately took a dislike to the other goldfish because of the aggression.

More info please.

[saaebn]

sorry- they are all about 5 inches. I have read 10 [acronym:4862120ae8="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:4862120ae8] per goldfish .? my tank is a 75 [acronym:4862120ae8="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:4862120ae8].

right now I have:
3 goldfish 5 in
1 speckled molly 2 in
1 stripped catfish 1 in
2 mystery snails
1 sliver fish my hubby bought 1-2 in


thanks stacie