Ropefish attacks Peacock Eel!

Just before I went to bed last night I saw a scary thing. My ropefish (female about 25cm) had my Peacock Eel's (14cm) head in her mouth. They wrestled all over the tank till I could get to it. I banged on the top (scared the crap out of my gouramis - literally) and she let go. They then proceeded to go and hide together in the half pipe. Poor eel has suffered some damage to the nose, lost the little probiscus thing that it had going, breathing heavily even this morning. Not looking forward to going home this evening. Ropefish has never been aggressive (apart from eating 4 danios months ago). Just territorial? I had just fed them bloodworm so I assume it was over that.

Other news, my Male 3spot is super dark, with hectic banding and light coloured spots on his fins, he is showing very nicely. Female golden is full of eggs and rubbing him up and 'feelering' him up. Other female 3=spot has lost all colour, very pale and sorry for herself.

 

you say they hide together . is this the only hiding spot? you need to add like 2 more caves on opposite ends of the tank . add some plants around them. each fish needs a good hiding spot

 

There are 3 hiding spots (2 caves and a long half pipe). And the peacock eel buries itself. But they often choose to chill out together.

 

Do you think the rope fish woud have eaten the eel if you did not stop them?

 

No I dont think so. The eel is too big, its body is deeper than the rope's mouth.

 

Both of these fish are known to show aggression towards their own species - ropefish occasionally tassle with each other, while spiny eels sometimes chase each other around. Maybe they got confused? Attacked each other, thinking that they were the same fish? It wouldn't be the first time I've seen this...

 

thats interesting. Thanks Salmon!