Okay, I have a common, shubunkin, orange telescope, pearlscale, and lionhead in a 55 gal tank, (which I am aware is just a bit too small so no need to remind me) and currently, there seems to be growing tension between all of them. They're not even all that big. And they're not targeting any one fish, each fish seems to be pushy to every other fish. Except for my telescope and common, who seem to like everyone seems to be content and not bullied. But it's the lionhead, shubby, and pearlscale that seem to be at eachother's throats.


So i was wondering if this had to do with food. am I not feeding them enough or what? I feed them pellets twice a day 4 out of 7 days a week, and freeze dried shrimp twice the other 3 days.

For any random reason the sizes of my fish are listed left to right, largest to smallest:

Pearlscale, common, shubby, telescope, then lionhead.

Plz help return peace to my tank!

It might have to do with not feeding enough quantity during the feedings. How long does it take them to eat the food? A good rule of thumb is whatever they can eat in 5 minutes.
It could also be territorial behavior related to the crowded conditions.

Do you have hiding spots? Maybe add a couple more hiding spots. In different sizes, that will help cut back on aggression. Also switching the decoration will help as well. They may be fighting due to lack of food, incompatibility or you lucked out & got an aggressive bunch. Sometimes unfortunately some just don't get along. You can also lower you temperature a bit.

I don't think you are feeding enough. I would start feeding very small amount 3 to 4 times a day only skip one day out of the week. Having a variety of foods really helps.

It's great nobody is picking on your telescope, keep an eye on him as they are not hardy like the others.
If all else fails you may have to separate! I have a 30 gallon quarantine tank & emergency tank. This really does come in handy & if things go badly or fish get sick this put you mind at ease. You may want to consider getting one.

Good Luck, I hope you get this solved.

When you say twice day- how many pellets do you feed in the one feeding?

This may sound strange & it takes more time then just throwing in a bunch of pellets but I stand there throwing in bits of food at a time until they stop eating.

This board also suggested pre-soaking the food so they don't gulp air and end up with swim bladder and constipation.

It's stopped now, I recetnly lost a fish, and things calmed down, it must've been a overcrowding issue

sorry for your loss