Weird goldfish behaviour

[Roz]

One of the fancy goldfish in my interim 40gal tank, Goldie, has started to continually chase Mr Stripes around and nudge him. Mr Stripes is about 3 times bigger but months younger; I rescued Goldie and think he is a bit stunted. Both fish aren't more than several months old.

I can see the chasing and nudging Mr Stripes' bottom, is doing his head in.

Can it be breeding behaviour at this age?

Water parameters fine, but I have a continual struggle to keep the pH above 6.4.

What could be going on?

Should I get one of those little breeding nets to put Goldie in for time out?

Any advice welcome, as I feel sorry for Mr Stripes who is a sweet, gentle giant.

Pics below

Goldie first pic

 

[jlk]

Hi Roz! Is this behavior constant or only associated with feeding times? If both fish came from a lfs, don't underestimate their age as they are likely older than you may think. If the one fish is being unduly harassed or stressed, it may be time to give the harasser a time out (likely a few) until he settles down a bit. I would not use any type of netting but something made of rigid plastic mesh (such as a pasta colander or a small laundry type basket). You can set this in the top of the tank but just keep an eye on him when he is in there. Hope this helps a bit!

 

[Roz]

Hi JLK!

Goldie only behaves like this sporadically, and not just restricted to feeding time.

Regarding their age, they were so tiny when I got them, that I had assumed they were quite young.

I'll get a plastic mesh thing (perhaps a peg basket), which might work? Will keep an eye out, as I hate to see Mr Stripes harassed :-(

Thank you very much for your help

 

[avonsurfernc]

sounds like male is trying to get her to release eggs ,mating behavior