Is my Royal Gramma a killer? You be the judge.

woody189

woody189

Member
I have a 46 gal tank w/ 45lbs LR.
day before yesterday, everyone was happy and eating, including my firefish. I have a Royal Gramma that has been getting more and more aggressive lately. I recenlty added a 4line wrasse, and seemed to have calmed down a great deal (even though the 4line is timid).
The RG is still a bit of bully. He picks on my firefish, but hasn't once caused him since I got the FF (over 1 yr ago). My FF runs away from the RG, but isn't really too scared. He isn't afraid to come out or swim by the RG, just runs when chased.
Yesterday my FF went missing and I'm pretty certain she's dead. Since she went missing, my RG has taken the FF's home in the rock.
My question is:
Do you think the RG killed the firefish and then took the spot (or maybe harassed her because he wanted the spot and made her jump)?
OR do you think the firefish died, and the RG saw the spot was open so he took it?
Before I get rid of the Gramma, i would like your input. I've been thinking about trading him in lately, because he's becoming a real a hole.
Thanks
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
My Royal Gramma gets chased by my Maroon Clown and Coral Beauty, but neither have shown signs of ill intent. I know that is the opposite of your scenario, but I would doubt that your RG would kill another fish. It may have stressed it out so the point where it died possibly. I would wait a little longer to see if it reappears. Since the RG evicted him he may just be settling in a new spot and not come out for awhile.
 
woody189

woody189

Member
Thanks.
Evicted or not, the FF never really feared the RG. He would run if chased, but not be too scared to come out. I'm 95% sure she's dead.
I've read about RG's getting aggressive, especially as they get older.
I'm just wondering if there's any way to tell by the RG's behavior.
Would a RG "evict" the FF, or just take his home after the FF died?
 
woody189

woody189

Member
Originally Posted by gypsana
http:///forum/post/3019141
Did you ever noticed damage on the FF? How long have you had both the FF and RG?
That's the thing, I've never seen the RG even bite the FF. Just open his mouth real wide and chase him a bit. No damage that I've noticed.
In Feb 08, I added my 2 clowns, 1st two fish. Then, maybe 3 weeks later the RG, then maybe a couple weeks after that the FF. (I should have reversed the order, but too late for that).
My temp has been fluctuating pretty bad lately. Maybe +/- 4-5 degrees in a day (not daily, but it has happened). MAYBE that was what killed the FF, but IDK.
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
This is just my opinion but I would guess that it probably died by something other than the RG, but I do not think you will ever know for sure. It may have jumped out. Do you have dogs/cats? Sorry about your loss, it is always frustrating and sad loosing a fish.
 
invertcrazy

invertcrazy

Member
Firefish are known to be jumpers with a good eye for the smallest hole to jump through. Check the floor. There is a good chance it went carpet surfing.
It sucks but we've all been there. sorry I hope for you it's just hiding
 
woody189

woody189

Member
Originally Posted by gypsana
http:///forum/post/3019310
This is just my opinion but I would guess that it probably died by something other than the RG, but I do not think you will ever know for sure. It may have jumped out. Do you have dogs/cats? Sorry about your loss, it is always frustrating and sad loosing a fish.

Originally Posted by redsea
http:///forum/post/3019640
sorry to hear about your firefish

Originally Posted by InvertCrazy
http:///forum/post/3019754
Firefish are known to be jumpers with a good eye for the smallest hole to jump through. Check the floor. There is a good chance it went carpet surfing.
It sucks but we've all been there. sorry I hope for you it's just hiding
Thank you guys. It turns out I was dead wrong. She's actually alive (for now, but I'm trying to be optimistic).
I saw her circling the sand bad around her old home. She's VERy lethargic. I'm going to post a new thread.
Thanks for the help... I appreciate it.
 
S

SwimmyShelly

New Member
Hi I have a Royal Gramma I purchased about a month ago and over the last 2 weeks he has gotten very aggressive. I only have 1 other swimming fish. A goby who is also not paired with the pistol shrimp he came with. I have a 14 gallon tank. It fairly new and I started small with just LR and coral. I have 2 snails a star fish and hermit crabs. The day I purchased the Gramma I also purchased a peppermint shrimp. He also attacks her. The goby was starting to pair with the pistol but since the attacks he just sits in the corner. Now he has barely any fins or antenna left and actually found a way to jump over the wall into the reserve area. I'm considering leaving him there to see if he can regain his strength. The day I purchased him I asked if there would be any issue and my aquarium center said no. Is this normal? I feel so bad for the poor goby and shrimp.
 
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