Aggressive ram

[sparky]

Hi AC people--I'm a long-time lurker, first-time poster! I have a 38 gal tank with a pair of rams (tankmates are: 6 harlequin rasboras, 5 cories, 4 otos, various plants). Tank parameters are good (A=0 Ni=0 Na<5 pH=7.6) and stable.

I've had the rams in the tank for about 2 months. Aside from an initial bout of ich (long since gone) they've been the picture of health. The male ram always chased the female a bit, but she seemed okay and there are a lot of plants, driftwood to hide in. However, today she had a torn tailfin and wasn't her usual bright colours (she is looking rather dark and monochromatic).

Should I be worried a) about the torn tail and b) about his chasing her? Is there anything I can do about it? Thanks for your help!

[stoopid]

Unless the injury cripples her from running she should be okay for now. The fin will heal.

I can't say with 100% certainty whether they need to be seperated... but if it were me I would seperate the male for a while, then reintroduce him. That's all I can think of, because there's nothing to make me think the male won't do it again.

I also can't imagine any of the tank mates doing this...

[ChilDawg]

If she's getting beaten up but isn't ready to breed, I'd take him outta there for now, as stoopid said.

btw, this might be better in cichlids...

[sparky]

Oops--forgot there's a cichlid category!

Thanks for your replies--I was really hoping there was a way they could stay in the tank together, but he's being quite the bully (he bumps the cories, too, but they just ignore him since they're a lot bulkier than him!). I didn't know rams could be like that--everyone always seems to say how unagressive they are compared to other fish. Guess I've got a really passive bunch in my tank! :)

Should I be worried about the female's tail getting diseased?

[ChilDawg]

I'd keep an eye on that, but good water quality and the removal of the male will probably do wonders for it.

[stoopid]

Originally posted by sparky
everyone always seems to say how unagressive they are compared to other fish.

Well, I think most people say that "when compared to other cichlids..."