Red Jewels Fighting

[viejo]

It is not at all unusual for 'cristatus' males to attack or kill females after the fry have gotten some size on them. It's happened a number of times to me. As Red Devil says, the male wants to 'get it on' & the female is having a headache. She probably is also still in fry defense mode which wouldn't help matters. Having some non-territorial target fish helps ( in a large enough tank) I often use rainbowfish, they are 'smart' enough to run if chased & aren't major fry predators.

 

[Red Devil]

It is not at all unusual for 'cristatus' males to attack or kill females after the fry have gotten some size on them. It's happened a number of times to me. As Red Devil says, the male wants to 'get it on' & the female is having a headache. She probably is also still in fry defense mode which wouldn't help matters. Having some non-territorial target fish helps ( in a large enough tank) I often use rainbowfish, they are 'smart' enough to run if chased & aren't major fry predators.

that sounds like a plan.. i will try that myself next time if it happens

 

[OllieNZ]

Thanks for the advice, trust me to pick the biggest horniest male the lfs had. I think it will be a few weeks before shes fully ready to go back in anway.
I currently have colombian tetras in there the male will have a go if they get too close but wont actively chase them. Which species of rainbow fish are you using? I think I might get some. Im also looking at getting a couple of striped raphael catfish will these get on ok?

Thanks

Ollie

 

[viejo]

Presently I use M. parva but it doesn't seem to make a lot of difference. I would try to avoid rainbows in which the males are predominantly red however.