Genicanthus problem

[beachbreak]

I've got a pair of G. melanospilos that during the day time - are absolutely great. No aggression or chasing just model citizens. As soon as the blues come on for sunset though...my male chases the female relentlessly. It's literally both fish flying through the tank at top speed for as long as the blues are on. The female gets tired and lays up at the surface in a corner but the male continues to chase as soon as he sees her again. I think he may be feeling frisky as I've seen him do the sideways shimmy at her but I don't think she wants anything to do with it.

Any idea as to what's going on or how to help the situation?

 

[SDguy]

How big are they? How long have they been together? Is this a new development?

When my female would ignore the male's advances, he wouldn't try to kill her because of it

 

[beachbreak]

They are around 3" or so and the chasing has been going on for about 2 weeks now. Male and female are similar in size. They've been together in this tank about 3 weeks now. The fish were transhipped in together. I know that doesn't mean anything but just thought it may be potentially useful info.

 

[SDguy]

Being the same size may be the issue. One is trying to dominate the other. Simply looking like a male won't cut it. Since you say this only happens when the blue lights are on, how about trying to not have any blue light photo period? Also, maybe consider placing the female in an acclimation box, where the male can see, but not touch her.

 

[beachbreak]

Since you say this only happens when the blue lights are on, how about trying to not have any blue light photo period?

I'll try that tonight. I will say I'll be a little disappointed if I have to give up my dusk. One of my favorite times to watch the tank with everything glowing...

In regards to size - they are very close and I didn't even think about that. He does exercise his dominance periodically throughout the day if she does something he doesn't approve of but it's typically a shoo away type thing verses aggression/chasing.

Here's a pic of the two for size reference.

 

[SDguy]

Yeah, he's pretty small. I'd guess he's just trying to make sure she stays female.

 

[beachbreak]

WW3 in my tank this morning. Noticed the female chasing the male this morning at 7. Thought nothing of...kind of chuckled at him getting a little payback. Just came around the corner and looked in the tank and the male is pinned up in the corner and is a beaten wreck. His streamers are gone, tail and all fins on the back just shredded :mad2: He was so worked over I just dropped a net in the tank and scooped him out from the surface. I put him in the sump with my damsels and am hoping he fares a little better in there than up top.

So what do you guys think happened? Do you think the female decided to turn male? She is still in complete female coloration and the male is still fully stripped with a solid black dot on his chest.

Any ideas on what is going on?

 

[reefjunkie42]

exactly what SD said.....he is trying to keep her female. and it is not working. Id say she will change esp when removing him to the sump. it is natural for angels to display dominence to establish a hierarchy..its nature man your best bet is to divide the tank with eggrate or something similar like acrylic temperarily. in his absence you will surly have 2 hims.. I would also cut the photo period for a temporary amount of time until you have regained order. goodluck bud, great fish.