Fighting DPs

[kangaroosoup]

I currently have 5 DPs in a 55 gal planted tank. Needless to say, they've got a lot of room to establish territory in. Last night, two of them looked plump like they'd just eaten, although I hadn't fed them in over 24 hours. It was weird but I didn't really think anything of it. Well, I was just doing a little tank watching and I saw one of the fatter DPs grab the other fatter one by the stomach and shake it around! (Think puppy + favorite chew toy) The attacked DP promptly blew up and stayed that way for 5 sec or so. They're continuing to slightly puff out in front of each other, and chase each other around. It doesn't seem like one or the other has a clear advantage. The other 3 puffers have ignored this/been ignored. Do you guys think this is something I should worry about? With ~10 gal per DP, I can't really provide any more space for them, but I don't want them to kill each other either...

[Boxermom]

Yes, I think its something to worry about. If you can't get a divider to separate them, you either have to get another tank for one (I'd remove the bully as he may turn on the others as well), or you're most likely going to lose one or more of them.

[Phaedrus]

Agreed. Sounds like you've got a bully reaching sexual maturity and starting to aggressively defend and compete for space. Separation of some kind is about all that you can do.

[Nick]

My Boeing and Pig, 2 males in a ten, display at, chase and head butt each other, but have never actually used beaks on each other... I'd say the DP that grabbed the other has crossed the line and needs to be isolated.

[Rocker]

This behaviour will carry on until one of them is dead. You'll be wise to act on the advice given

[kangaroosoup]

aw maaan..well, that's that I suppose. I'll start making a divider today.