I have a little over a year old, around 7" fm GT and another 4-5" / 6 month or so what I believe to be a male (not sure on this sexing). I could tell my female lately has been ready to lay eggs (first time for her) so i put a broken piece of flower pot in there a couple days ago and sure enough its covered with eggs. They are separated from one another, but the separator has a small hole for the little'n to go back and forth. He rarely goes over to her side and when he does it is usually short lived. He has gotten a few nicks here and there as a result. I got home this weekend after being gone and he had a huge gash/scrape over his lips and his gills under the mouth were a bit tattered. (alot more damage than would normally occur) He is also appearing to be spending alot of time sparring at the separator and the hole which he normally doesnt do. Could he possibly be exhibiting breeding behaviors and be trying to fertilize the eggs? Also would he be sexually mature at this age and be able to fertilize the eggs??