Since I re-arranged most of the Oscars' tank, territorial issues were expected. I ended up placing a driftwood that previously belonged to the two Heros Severums (one Green, the other Gold) next to the Oscars flat rock. I introduced more tankmates (2 Angelfish, 9 Silver Dollars).
I kept an open eye on them. Aggressive like behavior, most of the time has been more showing off than harmful. Not this time. The paired-off Oscars were attacking, big time, the two Heros Severums. This is the first time I've seen such levels of aggression. The two Heros Severums entered in a fully submissive mode and hide, tilted, below the roots of water lettuce. I figured this strategy would work, and sit there to watch. It didn't.
The Oscars worked as a team, approaching them as one (swimming side by side) but splitting to left and right once they spotted them, like an ambush. Both Heros Severum got harmed, and I think it would be worse if I didn't act upon it. I removed them to a 30gal wide tank. I placed a heater to keep temp steady at 28C. They are disoriented and stressed. I will wait until they recover (torn fins, bruises) and decide where I'll place them.
I am implementing every-other-day partial water changes (30%) despite having good filtration in that tank (which was the Silver Dollars growing tank) with one AquaClear 70, a submersible bio-wheel air pump driven filter rated for up to 30gals, and a submersible powerhead with sponge media (used for current purposes). I placed a big bundle of Anacharis since they like nibbling at it.
If they make themselves at home, I might let them be in that tank, hoping they would end up mating (if indeed I have a male and female).
Pepe
Santo Domingo
