Reedfish\Ropefish tail biting (*Erpetoichthys calabaricus )

I have four reedfish in a 5ft took along with assorted other African species.

Recently I've noticed the two largest fish displaying odd behaviour that I haven't noticed before. The largest male (olive colour with large anal fin) grabbing the largest female (tan colour with smaller anal fin) by the tail with his mouth. The female then tries to swim away dragging the male for a few seconds before he let's go. The tail isn't damaged and they just act as if nothing happened.

Anyone else notice this behaviour or have any explanations for it? Is it just general fighting or anything more?

This is the two fish.

This is the male.

This is the female. Tank is 16" wide. Male is slightly longer but thinner.

And this is there home.

I've noticed it twice. Both within the last few days. I'd wasn't during feeding either time and both times it involved the same fish.
No new additions to the tank recently and both these fish have been in about 6 months.
Feeding pattern: fed once a day on massivore (some chopped prawn once or twice a week).

Chicxulub said:

Moved to Polypterus

Click to expand...

Thank you. I wasn't sure where to post.