German Blue ram cichlids fighting

[koimes]

I have a 25 gallon tank with 2 German Blue Ram cichlids, a male and female pair. Unfortunately I made the error of introducing the female into the tank first, whilst 2 months later I've added a male. Unfortunately the female is chasing away the male and giving him a few bashes. I wouldn't particularly call it a fight to the death, since theres no signs of serious harm on his body, but I'm still concerned. They have been together for a day, her belly is extremely pink so I know she's ready to breed. The tank is full of various hiding places thanks to many pieces of driftwood and plants.

My question is: How do I prevent the female from picking on the male?

 

[ryansmith83]

Cichlids will be cichlids. If she's established a territory, she's going to give any other rams you introduce a hard time.

If she's not doing serious harm and there are plenty of hiding places, I'd let them work it out. She should settle down eventually. If he's being chased to the point that he's visibly stressed (hiding, breathing hard, etc.) then I'd remove them both, re-arrange the tank, then re-introduce them at the same time.

 

[cacichlids]

what ryan said

 

[koimes]

Thank you very much ryan