skunk loach

[Lupin]

Did you see the behavior of the skunk when it did this? I have two skunks in particular that show their most aggression by continually head butting tiger barbs in the gill area with what I assume is their spike below their eye. Is that how the hole in yoyo occurred?

The bifid spikes under their eyes are not designed to stab a victim. They are used for defense mechanism especially as loaches involve themselves in skirmishes. Skunk loaches can bite painfully. Loaches with nasty attitude are capable of that. There is no doubt they are capable of leaving a clean cut hole on a gill lid.

I have only seen the behavior when there is sinking food involved for the skunks and tigers are tying to eat too. I have never seen any damage after it has happened. But if they can actually pierce another fish to leaving a visibly deep hole, I find this a bit more worrisome. I think I may be underestimating their potential aggression. Aside from this they fight with each other more then they pay attention to the other fish in the tank. I find them to be really independent loaches except when in fear unlike other loaches were I hear they enjoy the company of others like their selves.

I underestimated their aggression which cost me my two yoyos which were at that time very seldom available then. Lesson learned. I had to isolate my skunks immediately and ordered another batch of yoyos remaining in the LFS worried I may have to struggle finding more again. It's very easy to underestimate these devils. Their diminutive size has already confused many people of their capability to terrorize other fish worse than most fish. Later on, they learn the hard way.

 

[Rainbowmama234]

Lupin, thank you for the insight on these little guys. I think I may need to pay more attention to what is going on in my tank so that I can act accordingly. If necessary I do have a tank I can move them to temporarily in an emergency situation, but part of me really doesn't want to get to an emergency situation at the expense of another fish. It is defiantly something I am going to think about.

If I were to separate them out into their own tank, could you suggest a good size for them? I have 7 skunks.

 

[fishdude92]

wow thanks for the info everybody this probably saved me a lot of trouble
i mean at the store they looked peaceful and nice but i guess i was wrong.
im having second thoughts about them now.

 

[fishorama]

Rainbowmama, I would think a 55g would be ok for 7 skunks, maybe with really fast top level fish like zebra danios (but NOT the long finned!), not sure about dithers at all...

 

[Rainbowmama234]

Thanks fishorama.