Lip Locking Tex's

[ageingone]

Middle of last week my pair of Tex's started liplocking the Male was taking a real beating on his top lip.
The tank that we have them in is a little small for a fully grown pair but they are only M 3.5" F 4" they are in a 40 gallon tank at present with only 3 tinfoil barbs.

The last two days have been hell for him, she beat him up real bad to the point that he was just laying at the top of the tank on his side.
We have now seperated them and he is in another tank.

They have not long had babies and have been real good parents, I just cannot work out what has changed.


Can i put them back together once he has his strength back up or will that just make matters worse?

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I'd give it a shot once 100% healed up

 

[dominicolas]

Even at 4 inches, 40 gal is not enough for a pair. One of the reasons for a big tank is so when there is trouble, they can stay away from eachother.

 

[pdbrady]

I agree with both above, with tank size in consideration. Is it a 40 long or breeder? If long I'd say go for it when he's good, breeder I'd be a little iffy. If there are babies, he probably got a little nippy with the babies or something, and she beat him as if he were a threat to them. Make sure there are planty of decorations for them to separate.

 

[TwistedPenguin]

When you do get a bigger tank I'd try letting him get settled 1st and then putting her in. Females are like that, they're just mean. (I'm female so I know it's true).

 

[ageingone]

Thanks everyone....a new tank is on the cards anyway and should be here for next week. At the moment, the male is in with 'Bruce' our threadfin syn. and he seems to be taking care of him, lol. Obviously needs time to chill....so we'll see what happens once the tank is cycled.