MALE ORNATE CHASING AND BITING THE FEMALE

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litigator666

litigator666

Piranha
MFK Member
Sep 15, 2008
503
193
76
clayfield, qld australia
I've just observed that my male ORNATE keeps on chasing and seems to be trying to bite the females anal fin. He also bumps her head. From my research it's a sign of breeding, but it seems to be aggressive. The male is a proven breeder and fully mature. Should I segregate them? I'm also contemplating of getting a smaller female if budget permits - would it be a good decision?
 
8x2x2ft. Floating driftwood, mangrove root, plants, plenty to hide around. Tankmates are stingrays, a senegal bichir and some syno variants. Male is bulky (my avatar) close to 24 inches, female about 20 and slender. Male was introduced about a month ago and was a proven breeder in sydney - even saw it forming its anal fin like a cup while hanging around on the driftwood. Had the female about a year now. New prospect female will be about 16 inches, slimmer than current female - that is if i can afford it and owner will let go of it.

Chasing only happens occassional. I didnt even do a waterchange and temps kept at a constant 27 degrees celcius. Male like to stay on the floating driftwood whilst female hides under the mangrove root.
 
Don't get your hopes up high!
Cupping and mock spawning is a very common thing when there are M/F Bichirs together.
Mine do it constantly, especially my Nigerian Endli and female Volta. she is receptive too, but it's just fun.

With other fish in the tank, you can count breeding out for sure.
 
Im more concern on agression as i dont want any damage to them. Im happy just to see them swimming around on my display tank as im not a breeder. Im busy as well with studies but have plans for the ornates late this year. Have a spare tank and equipments waiting for them. Here in aussie, these fish commands $$$$ and i was just lucky to own a pair. If they breed thats a plus factor for me. For now maintaining them healthy and nice is my objective.
 
The Aggression will come and go especially with a pair.
They are tough old cookies, especially at that size, so I wouldn't worry too much.
 
My endlicheri male bites the ornate female on the head and tail. Then they lie next to each other.
Weird rough sex.
 
Thank you for the comments. Just need your thoughts if it's wise to get a second female - about 16 inches slimmer than the current female. Or just focus on the pair I have and spend the money somewhere else?
 
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