Kribs Spawning Or Fighting?

[gregswimm]

I have had this pair of kribs (male and female) for about 2 years now. He has always chased her, especially when she comes close to the cave he will chase her to one side of the tank. I have seen eggs before on the roof of the cave, but haven't seen that in a very long time (maybe about 1.5 years or so). I have also noticed that she has a jagged edge on her tail fin, which looks like he has been biting her. I added some dithers hoping they will draw his attention, but he just ignores them. Should I re-design my tank to incorporate another cave? Or is there something else I can do to help them get allong?

Tank specs: 29 gal, planted, very hard water and ph around 7.4

this is my tank so far, I will be getting more plants friday, it is a bit sparse for my taste

 

[Fish Guy]

I would add some more caves for sure. I use terra cota pot set up vertically with a little notch/door cut in the side or have the opening facing upwards and I put a piece of slate over the opening just having a small access point. But if you do decide to do so I would remove the male and female and rearrange the tank just to be sure.

 

[gregswimm]

Ok, so I added another cave. The female goes an and make a funny 'shaking' sideways swim in the entrance of the cave. She will go in and the male will follow her, then she will go out and make her back all crooked and shake some more. Anyone know whats going on?

 

[Fish Guy]

Could be breeding or aggression displays. Cichlids can be a bit tricky when it comes to that. If they are planning on breeding just keep an eye on them and if you dont see the female for a few days and you see the male outside of the cave, then most likely they have spawned. Or maybe she is just defending her new home.

 

[gregswimm]

Well they are back at fighting, I added 2 more caves. I decided to quarantine the male in one of those breeding containers that floats on the surface of the tank; to give the female a rest. I will probably keep him in there for a few days, give my girl a chance to recuperate.

 

[Fish Guy]

I would try removing all of the Kribs and rearranging the caves/decor and introducing them again. You might also want to add a couple of more females to spread out any aggression.