Festae fighting help!!!

[Kingrancher2011]

Question I recently picked up a breeding pair of Festae from a buddy the have successfully spawned twice but the 3rd the male turned on her and attacked her and damaged part of her tail why would this happen he keeps chasing her and she is getting stressed out there is plenty of hiding places for her as well. They are currently in a 150 so any help is appreciated.

 

[A201]

Maybe the male Red Terror is wanting to breed again and Mrs RT is not ready. Male RT's aren't likely to take "No" for an answer.

 

[BIG-G]

I know its not pretty to look at but I always keep a divider with holes cut just large enough for the female to escape. This works well, but there has to be a size difference.

 

[Kingrancher2011]

I know its not pretty to look at but I always keep a divider with holes cut just large enough for the female to escape. This works well, but there has to be a size difference.

But are they still able to spawn if you do this?

 

[BIG-G]

Yes you place the spawning pot or plate or whatever you want them to spawn in on the males side.
The female can then come and go.
They will usually be aggressive up until the actual spawn. Then they will calm down a bit and guard the site together.

 

[duanes]

I agree about the divider, many cichlid breeders do this to save females. If the male is quite a bit larger, it works well.

I have had a number of cichlids spawn thru the divider, when their size difference, prevented an opening, putting a horizontal piece under the vertical divider panel to maintain stability, and place a rock or two on the females side.
I also like to keep the male upstream from the flow so flow helps carry milt to the eggs.
Here are some pics of Lepidiolamprologus spawning thru a divider.

male below


female again

 

[Kingrancher2011]

My issue is I have them in a corner tank and it’s going to be a pain in the ass to get a divider in there I’ll be freeing up my 360g here soon it’s 6x4x2 so I’ll have it open for them