Male ram suddenly aggressive toward partner

[Nephthys]

I've had a pair of rams in a 15-gal. for 6 months or so. Until recently, they coexisted peacefully, remaining close by one another and spawning every 2-3 weeks. However, I rearranged the tank several weeks ago and since then the male has been acting rather territorial and aggressive towards the female, chasing her away whenever she gets too close. She's been looking a bit pale ever since, and keeps her fins slightly clamped, or at least not flared out like she normally did. Her stripes have also gotten darker along the lateral line, and her belly is no longer pink.

I can't see any evidence of external parasites, fungus, or injury on the female. The male looks fantastic-- brighter colors than ever, gorgeous finnage, etc-- so I can't imagine it's water quality, though I did tests anyway and found no detectable ammonia, nitrates, or nitrites, and no change in hardness. Could it just be the stress of her partner turning on her and chasing her away? If so, what are my options? I had thought about separating them, but I live in a tiny space and have no room (or money!) for a second tank...

Thanks!

 

[mooman]

That's tough. I can't offer any advice on why this is happening, but I can suggest something that I did with my bolivian rams. I had a piece of slate glued (you could just lean it) in each corner standing straight up. This gave her two out of the way places where she could go and stay out of site.

Rams are funny. One day they would be swimming around the tank together and the next day the male was chasing the female into the corner almost constantly. Hope this helps a little.

good luck

 

[Emg]

Yeah, my pair sometimes go through little "spats" where the male becomes the macho meanie...but my female survives it and then they're happy again for awhile.

Could just be they need to reestablish territories since you moved things all around on them. Keep an eye on her, she should do ok as long as there is plenty of places for her to hide.

 

[ashdavid]

Yeah, my pair sometimes go through little "spats" where the male becomes the macho meanie...but my female survives it and then they're
Could just be they need to reestablish territories since you moved things all around on them. Keep an eye on her, she should do ok as long as there is plenty of places for her to hide.

I have to agree with Emg. If you rearange the tank,you are dismantling the established territories that they had.Maybe you have taken away a suitable spot for the female to hide and take refuge from the attacking male. Make sure you include lots of hidding spots when you rearange the tank.