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Are my rams bullying or playing?

23 17:01:09

Question
Hi, we have a community tank with rummy nose tertras, neon tetras, dwarf gouramis, platies, catfish, ram fish and 2 dwarf frogs. The 2 rams are babies and all fish were getting on well. We liked the rams so much we bought another 2 as well which are adults and also bought the 2 dwarf frogs at the same time. All was well for the 1st 2 days but now the adult rams have started headbutting and nipping each other as well as chasing the younger rams around and occaisonally nipping the frogs. It doesn't look as though they are hurting each other or the younger rams and frogs. They don't bother any of the other fish at all just the younger rams and the 2 frogs. Are they just being very playful or are they bullying and hurting the frogs and younger rams? Please advise me.

Answer
Hi Kerri,
I have found that this behviour is quite common amongst Ram's. It is a form of bullying and territorial behaviour combined. If the fish do not appear to be stressed or hiding a lot or any nipped fins then this is nothing to worry about. However, if the fish are showing signs of distress i would remove the Ram's.
regards,
Chloe.