General Care Discussion :: Fight or dominance?

[Rfusion]

I currently own 2 baby RES, I do not know if they are male or female since they're too young to tell. The small one is about 1" 1/4 and the big one is 1" 1/2. They didn't use to fight, but lately the small one has been biting the big one on the head, neck and/or face to the point of ripping some skin I believe.

I wonder what should I do? Should I let them settle their territory or separate them?

I do not know if it is bullying, fighting or just to show dominance. This has been happening since last night and they still fight whenever the big one gets close to the smaller one. Sometimes the big one won't even eat, bask or come out cuz' he/she is afraid of the smaller one.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[mike hill]

R-fus They are small, it is a dominance issue. If you have a small tank it may be a small space issue. Try and stick the the 10 gallons per inch rule. - Good Luck!

[Rfusion]

ok, they're in a 55 gal so I hope they dont want more than that lol. I hope my turtles get over their dominance issue cuz' I dont want my turtle to be killed by my girlfriend's turtle. Thnx

[SINI5T3R]

ok, they're in a 55 gal so I hope they dont want more than that lol. I hope my turtles get over their dominance issue cuz' I dont want my turtle to be killed by my girlfriend's turtle. Thnx

I have 5 Turtles in a 45 Gal and they hardly ever do this they really love each other lol but I do sometimes see my smaller males do it to each other.

[mike hill]

R-fus Sometimes there is nothing you can do and they will never get along. It that is the case you will have to seperate them. It is a pain I know, but that may be the only solution.

[vic021]

seperate them during feeding the little one probly doesnt eat as much so hes trying to wound the bugger one so he can get food