Loaches Online Forum

Is this behavior normal amongst loaches ?

Since you all helped me understand the difference of the colors of the loaches. I am wondering if they know that they are different too ?
My largest Sumatran seems to quarreling with my loach from borneo.

So is this normal for these fish to behave like this ?

Its kinda funny to watch them they appear to be sniffing each others anus's and then they go in a circle like two dogs smelling each other, really its quite comical.

Again Thanks to all of you

Sincerely

Sparky

It is common among most species of Loach that there will usually be one highest ranking, or alpha Loach, and a lowest ranking Loach. Depending on numbers there are several at various levels in between, and each Loach in its turn will be pushed around somewhat by the others. Usually the alpha takes the best food, and is most often the one that may be pushing the others around. Sometimes this is quite mild, more like play, and other times can get quite violent. Depends on the individual personalities.
This is one of the reasons it is better to keep more than just a few of any one species. The more aggressive ones spread out their aggression so no one Loach is always on the receiving end.