Breeding male aggresive toward mate

[Spiderweb]

My breeding pair behavior has changed. The male now seems aggressive toward the female and chases her all over the tank. They had previously spawned and raised some young, but the young were eaten after about 5 days. They have spawned 5 or 6 times previously. Water conditions have not changed, but now, neither fish is eating. Last spawn was about a month ago and the eggs were eaten, I suspected by the male, so I separated them for 1 day.

20 Gallon tank with bubble filter
temp 81 degrees
water, soft and slightly acetic
nitrates 10 ppm
nitrites 0 ppm
ammonia 0 ppm

No physical changes regarding any diseases.

Water changes, 25% daily.

Comments and advise would be greatly appreciated

[CliffsDiscus]

The male wants to mate but the female is off
of her spawning cycle, she needs a rest, this is normal.


Cliff

[Spiderweb]

Thanks, Cliff.

[Spiderweb]

Should I separate them again? Neither are eating at this point.

[CliffsDiscus]

Should I separate them again? Neither are eating at this point.

Yes, separation would be good at this point. You don't want a beaten up female.

Cliff

[LizStreithorst]

If they don't start eating after they've been apart for this long, let us know. They may need worming or treating for hex.

[Spiderweb]

Male is eating again, but not the female. I have them back together again and the male is still aggressive, but not as much. He either torments her or stays apart from her. Together, I believe he is the one who is eating.