Removing a bullied Discus

[Papa59]

I have a small Discus who is always hiding from his larger tankmates. He is much smaller because the other Discus have always beaten him to the food. I have tried to feed him separately but have not been successful. I’ve considered moving him to a separate tank to keep him from starving to death. Is this a bad idea? Suggestions appreciated.

[bluelagoon]

I would leave him in the tank as long as it is healthy enough. Another one may take it's place and become picked on and stunted. Others may disagree and have a better solution.

[Papa59]

Thanks.

[peewee1]

I would leave him in the tank as long as it is healthy enough. Another one may take it's place and become picked on and stunted. Others may disagree and have a better solution.

I would and have done the same. I have this now with a little guy so what I do is herd everyone to one side of the tank and load them up with food then I go the little guy's side and put food there as well. Lately the little guy has learned that when I hand feed everyone that if he gets there first, and he is a fish little mutt, he will get the food before the others arrive on the scene.

[Papa59]

Thanks. I’ll try that.

[FishFanMan]

My smallest one is always getting bothered by my larger ones. He's survives for 2 years now, hasn't grown at all but seems healthy. He picks food off of the sponge and leftovers. My larger discus fight amongst themselves but maybe more if this little guy wasn't in there. I've gotten over my urge to remove the guy because I think a pecking order has been established in my tank and I don't want to disturb that since for the most part they are doing great.