mort
Member
- Joined
- 15 Nov 2015
- Messages
- 2,384
Normally the male will put the female in its place but due to the size difference it isn't dominant, so the female is alpha. Gourami lock lips when the are sparring and although disconcerting it's natural behaviour with the loser being dominated.
I personally wouldn't split them up if no physical damage is being done (the odd split fin won't hurt and heals quickly), instead I would leave the lights out and cover the tank if possible. It will chill them out and let them get more used to each other without enough light for them to be clearly seen by each other. It's an old cichlid trick but can calm many fish. If after a day or two, she is still being overly aggressive you can give the splitting up a go.
I personally wouldn't split them up if no physical damage is being done (the odd split fin won't hurt and heals quickly), instead I would leave the lights out and cover the tank if possible. It will chill them out and let them get more used to each other without enough light for them to be clearly seen by each other. It's an old cichlid trick but can calm many fish. If after a day or two, she is still being overly aggressive you can give the splitting up a go.
