black moor and bubble-eyed fish

Question
QUESTION: I have two bubble-eyed fish which were doing fine until i got my black moor fish. Now the black moor fish has started to nudge and attack my bubble-eyed fish. Can you tell me the reason for this. Also the black moor doesn't swim up to the top of the tank, even for its food.
Thank you.
Lowenna

ANSWER: Hi Lowenna,
 Basically most animals are somewhat territorial and clearly your black moor has decided he wants to be king of the castle and so he is attempting to keep the other fish in line.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: one of my bubble- eyed fish has got a little brown spot that has appeared in the last couple of days. is this where e has damaged it, or is it a sign of illness?
Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Lowena,
 Most likely it is a sign of damage, i.e., where the other one  bit him.  Keep an eye on things in case the fighting gets worse. If it does, you may have to separate the fish.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: all of my fish are getting on ok now as i have 2 black moor fish now and two bubble-eyed fish. but im seriously worried about one of my bubble-eyed fish sharky. sharky seems to have an expanding tummy and has taken to floating at the top of the tank on his back for long periods of times sometimes my other bubble-eyed fish will do it too, but it is mainly sharky. what is this and how can i stop this happening. Than you.

Answer
Hi Lowena,
 Are you feeding them floating food by any chance, such as floating pellets?  I have noticed that goldfish, when feed floating food, sometimes ingest a lot of air, which makes them float. The solution is to feed them sinking food.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>