[leebca]

I came across a scenario the other day that I didn't believe people would sanction. Yet, I was wrong. This poll is to ask your opinon. You can just respond to the poll without identifying yourself. I just want to understand the thoughts out there.

The Situation

A marine hobbyist has got a community tank with a variety of marine fishes in it. It is a FOWLR marine system. The system is established, healthy, well cared for and in general, well maintained.

One of the fish in the tank takes small bites out of some of the other fishes. The other fishes are seen to heal fairly quickly. But, the biting/healing goes on, and on, and on. The marine hobbyist thinks this is okay.

Please mark the answer in the poll you most agree with.

This is how to interpret the answers you have to choose from:
1. Approves and has no problem with the fish continuing on in this manner.

2. Does not approve, but has no problem with the fish continuing on in this manner.

3. Does not approve, but thinks they should be separated or not allowed to interact. That is, this answer says it is not mandatory the fish be separated, but a recommendation that they should be separated or not allowed to interact.

4. Says not only do you disapprove, but you totally cannot accept the fishes being kept together. They must be separated.

5. Says you are very upset or angry that anyone would even think of doing such a thing. Not only do you disapprove, but you want the matter corrected immediately.

Thanks! This poll closes in 10 days from the post date.

[wozza]

some people may say its only natural behaver but we are not keeping them in there natural enviroment, and we owe the fish the best chance of surrvival so its gotta stop. simple..

james

[leebca]

Thanks James.

Anyone out there?

[weez1959]

I agree with James, our little glass boxes are in no way natural habitats no matter how hard we try, why would anyone agree to this? Weird how some people reason

[carlc]

I guess if you don't have a heart it would be ok to leave them together and continue to watch them being bitten. Eventually a nasty bacteria will take hold and that person wouldn't have to watch the same fish being bitten.

Carl

[leebca]

Thanks Louise and Carl.

I tried to 'reason' with this person, but the person thinks this is okay. I thought a poll I could point to might encourage the person to understand this is not a good practice, and that others would agree with me. . .but. . .

I pointed out, like Carl has written, the continued stress is bound to eventually encourage secondary problems, like bacterial infection. Still, this continues.

[weez1959]

Maybe this person should be put in a small room with a nippy little rat, of course his bites will heal up and he'll be ok but will he like it?
Or maybe just a swift kick in the can, it probably won't teach him anything but I'll feel better!

[Reefland]

Well I went with option 3, I wouldn't allow it in our tank, and would recommend the person to separate them. However with that said, many people have success in many different ways so if it is working and the fish are otherwise healthy I can see where some hobbyist wouldn't bother interfering.