Hello all.
These are my Jack Dempseys, "Buddy" and "Sweetpea". He is about 8", she is a bit over 6".
Issue #1: When they were very small, she SHREDDED his tail, and it has never grown back. The tail healed up ok, but it seems to be forever forked. Should i go ahead and assume it will remain this way for life? He doesn't seem to mind, although he is never as quick around the tank as she is.
They really seem to enjoy each other, and he is a riot to watch as he attempts to impress her with his somersaults, head shaking, and face making.
Evidently it does the trick, as they spawn every other month or so. They are excellent parents, and the eggs hatch if i let them.
Issue #2: I remove the eggs, and for the next couple weeks, they beat the CRAP out of each other. The lip-locking got so bad the last time, she tore a chunk out of his lip. It is healing well, and I'm not too worried about it. (you can see it in the picture)....
He goes after her fins, and eyes, and i really thought they were going to kill each other this time. it seems to be getting worse every time.
So, I put her in her own tank. He doesn't seem to mind being alone, and enjoys harassing the pictus'. She however just mopes in her tank, hiding in a pvc pipe all day. she eats ok, but just seems generally unhappy.
Will i just need to keep them separated for life? or will the aggression pass with age?
I've tried different temperatures, tank re-arrangements, dither fish, etc. . ..
Anyway, these are my little mini monsters, and if you have any advice or input i would appreciate it.
thanks
These are my Jack Dempseys, "Buddy" and "Sweetpea". He is about 8", she is a bit over 6".
Issue #1: When they were very small, she SHREDDED his tail, and it has never grown back. The tail healed up ok, but it seems to be forever forked. Should i go ahead and assume it will remain this way for life? He doesn't seem to mind, although he is never as quick around the tank as she is.
They really seem to enjoy each other, and he is a riot to watch as he attempts to impress her with his somersaults, head shaking, and face making.
Evidently it does the trick, as they spawn every other month or so. They are excellent parents, and the eggs hatch if i let them.
Issue #2: I remove the eggs, and for the next couple weeks, they beat the CRAP out of each other. The lip-locking got so bad the last time, she tore a chunk out of his lip. It is healing well, and I'm not too worried about it. (you can see it in the picture)....
He goes after her fins, and eyes, and i really thought they were going to kill each other this time. it seems to be getting worse every time.
So, I put her in her own tank. He doesn't seem to mind being alone, and enjoys harassing the pictus'. She however just mopes in her tank, hiding in a pvc pipe all day. she eats ok, but just seems generally unhappy.
Will i just need to keep them separated for life? or will the aggression pass with age?
I've tried different temperatures, tank re-arrangements, dither fish, etc. . ..
Anyway, these are my little mini monsters, and if you have any advice or input i would appreciate it.
thanks
