goldfish bullying?

[k8bailey]

I posted a few days a go to say I had problems in my 60L goldfish tank and have definately got a bad case of whitespot goin on, but with regular water changes, aquarium salts and white spot treatment, 5 out of 6 fish seem quite well if a little a spotty still ,but my oldest shubunkin is still miserable and has spent most of the last 3 days sat at the bottom of the tank, only getting up in the evenings.

I think its being bullied by the newest fish who is a little bigger. The newest fish (Rod) does seem to chase the oldest (jaws) when he moves but leaves him alone when he lies on the bottom. Jaws has a very long tail which has become ripped in several places since Rod was added 2weeks ago.

Is it possible that they will learn to get along if I leave them to it?

Jaws is one of the only fish not showing symptoms of whitspot but is the only one still sitting at the bottom could this be due to bullying/stress? or do I have another problem?

The water temp is currently 21 degrees celcius, so could this be a breeding thing? - I cant see any tuburcles (SP?) on either but they both have lots of markings which could be hiding them.

is separating these two the only course of action?

Sorry about so many questions again, TIA

[showcatbenga]

I'm glad to hear of your fishes recovery but keep repeating the whitespot treatment every 4 days until all the spots have gone!
Yes, it sounds as if it's breeding behaviour that's causing the exhaustion & fin/tail damage. They can breed without showing any tubercles. I would take Jaws out of the main tank & give 'her'? a rest away from the other fish until you observe her looking better. Don't forget to keep up the whitespot treatment because fish can die without ever showing a spot.
Spawning takes place at dawn & lasts about two hours, you could set your alarm really early & have a look, see? Breeding is seasonal & depends on day length & rises in water temperature. The male(s) tries to chase the female into the 'shallows' to spawn.