Bumblebee Cichlids sexing/mating or fighting?

OK I installed the plastic expandable window screen I use as a universal separator with suction cups. Because I can t adjust the width only the height I decided to block off just a corner of my 60 tanks, the Oscars obliged to move out of the way, that was the easy part.

With two nets I tried in vain to capture the male or aggressor. As soon as he saw I was coming for him he hunkered down in the reef behind and under the rocks and dead coral. The irony is the female or runner came out of the reef as if to meet me and after her the chasing male. Againe going after the aggressor he dives back into the reef and the runner halfheartedly moved to the corner and allows me to scoop her/it up and strait across to the Oscar tank into the divider, good thing my water parameters are all identical. Didn't catch the aggressor but the runner better then nothing.

I just hope things calm down for the next two week and the aggressor doesn't start going after other species. So until the new 93 tank is ready his move is postponed which will not be an easy catch as he is very fast and wily. Some pics of the runner enjoying a rest.
Bee3001.jpg

Bumblebee003.jpg
 
Could you do me a big favor and tell me if this is a male or female IYO, I mean if you know for sure. I'm guessing its a male with those spots on the tail right?

Such a shame that it cant stay this color and be more docile, its quite an impressive species in this size and color. Ill be calling the LFS today to see if I can trade both of them for a Blind Cave Tetra.
 
Blind twice, Im glad you said that becasue I think it will give it a fin up on the aggression being pre-disposed it will have better odds. Certainly cant lose its eye's.

All kidding aside the Blind Cave Tetra (BCT) which is actually not a tetra at all is companion for the other lone BCT in my Blood Parrot tank and yes they are very compatible. So yes I hope to get one free and buy one other for a total of 3, not a very big school but they wont notice. The LFS needs to know what the Bee's sex is otherwise they might not be taking them. So I need one of you experienced Mbuna keepers to give your opinion on if its a boy or girl cause if its a boy I have to find them a different home so I can get something out of them.
 
Could you do me a big favor and tell me if this is a male or female IYO, I mean if you know for sure. I'm guessing its a male with those spots on the tail right?
Click to expand...

Hard to tell just from a picture. Eggs spots don't always mean male. Could be a female could be a male. Males are usually darker, it all depends on their mood. The best way to know for sure is to vent them.
 
Ok that helps becasue the supposed male in the other tank is much darker not as fat and since I removed the striped one he has been going nuts trying too find a way out of the tank up & down the glass panels not even wanting to eat. Every time he would corner her he would never bit her just keep her there and she would be trying to hide, even now she is shy when I come by but she did eat.

Lets suppose for a moment its a female, is a lone (1) female OK in a large tank community, I mean way less aggression compared to a male?
 
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