Goldfish - sorting out pecking order, or bullying

[scubadiver]

Help!!

I have had a Biorb tank set up for a month, with a black moor living happily on his lonesome. I have introduced an oranda into the tank earlier this evening (maybe slightly smaller than the moor, but not much in it) and now the moor is being almost constantly chased & hearded around the tank by the oranda. There doesn't appear to be any biting involved at this stage.

Is this normal behaviour, as the oranda tries to claim the "top fish" spot, or something more sinister? Is there any risk to the moor? How long before it settles down (assuming it will) and is there anything I can do in the meantime?- I have kept the aquarium lights off and dimmed the room lights in the hope it will help to settle the oranda.

I'm I just being a worried "new parent"? HELP PLEASE.

[nfn]

first of all I'm no expert and to me a goldfish is a goldfish regardless of colour or breed! Now I'll tell you what happened with my tank.

I got two fish - Pilchard and Barry. Barry wouldn't leave Pilchard's side and if he suddenly realised he was on his own would swim VERY quickly to Pilchard's side. Then I got Chip and Parnip and Barry sulked. He wouldn't have anything to do with the other 3 fish. Pilchard stayed aloof and pretty much kept to himself. Then we got Comet and suddenly all 5 of them are happy as larry. They chase each other round the tank and ignore each other equally. I think it's just like us humans, they play, they sulk, they forget all about it a few minutes later.

Honestly not being flippant, just letting you know how it happened at our tank!

[Chessman]

It would probably be a territorial thing, and yes, there would be a risk factor, the Moor is being bullied constantly, (mentally), equate that with a child thats being bullied, and you'll get some idea. Not really what you'd like to hear, but I think the best thing would be to seperate them, but first get some advice from the place you bought the fish from.

[maggie01]

Maybe you could put them in a bigger tank with some plants or rocks so they have a place to themselves.

[nfn]

this is an excellent site: http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/forum/index.ph p

[scubadiver]

UPDATE --ok- am back in from work now and things seemed to have settled down. They are either ignoring each other from opposite sides of the aquarium, or the moor is choosing to swim alongside the oranda. Neither seem to have suffered any physical damage. Whatever their differences were yesterday, they have obviously sorted them out. Happy families !!!

Thanks for all the answers.

PS- the place where I bought the oranda said at the time if there were any problems they would take it back. Also, I have a few plants in the tank, so they do have some cover if they want it.

[maggie01]

Glad you can keep your oranda. I have four and they grow into lovely fish. Mine are about 4yrs old.

[nfn]

i hate to say 'I told you so' lol