Pseudotropheus socolofi Aggression

[bluerusty]

Hey, Every fish i have in my tank is listed in my sig. I have a quick question about the agrression of my Pseudotropheus socolofi. There are 3 in my 55 gallon tank. From what ive read on sexing them im 90% sure I have 2 males and 1 female. Which I know is pretty bad. They're coloring up great but they do chase the female alot and pick on my smaller labidochromis. So far they havenot been "fighting" as in locking lips but they do nip some of my fishes fins. My question: Should i expect problems with these fish and Do you think I will eventually have to get rid of one of the males/both of the males?

Thanks, Mike

[kay-bee]

How large are the socolofi and others?

If they are all young and 2" or smaller they may be able to work out a social hierarchy where the two males may tolerate each other (for example establish territories on opposite sides of the tank). Or one male may achieve substantial dominance over the other but will tolerate it in the tank as long as it doesn't make any advances toward the female. Or one male may acquire complete dominance in the tank and make hell for the male and female socolofi.

Or ( ) one of your maylandia species may acquire enough dominance to suppress the socolofi from causing "problems".

As you can see, there are variables in play which can effect how things will turn out. You may be able to squeeze two more female socolofi in that tank to offset potential socolofi aggression.

[bluerusty]

The two male socolofi are 2.75 inches and the one female is 2 inches. All the cobue are around 1.5 inches. All the rusties are 1.5 inches. One Lab is 3.5 inches & 2.5 inches. Both Maylandia are 2.25 inches. And the two plecos are 3 & 4 inches.