Ruby Red Dragonets
 

So I have a male and female ruby red dragonet. The original male that I got with the female that was supposedly a pair jumped ship awhile back. I ended up ordering another male and they have been eating well but steering clear of one another. Just today I noticed the male chasing the female around the tank nipping at her. Is this normal or what? I've had the female for almost a month and the male a see after I got the original pair. Can they find another 'mate' or 'pair'? Would he kill her? Here are pics of both.

Female-
http://i.imgur.com/CG15zyS.jpg


Male-
http://i.imgur.com/FsJxYtN.jpg

Thanks for any help. I tried finding out info on this particular matter with not much luck. From what I read its usually the other way around, or if it is 2 males.

Why do you think you can maintain them in a 39 gallon tank?

Minimal tank size is actually smaller but the main concern with that is a big enough pod population. Don't get me wrong I have pods but no where near the amount needed for most dragonets. I waited on purchase of these guys to see if they took to prepared foods and they all did... instantly with no hesitation. This is what made my decision. Feeding is not a concern with these particular fish that I have. I understand your concern and I was through making rash decisions a long time ago in the hobby. Can you actually help or assist in my concern that I posted?

So it seems that this behavior has stopped, or at least I haven't noticed it in the past couple of days. I've seen them hang out right next to one another with not conflict. Not sure what that behavior was all about. Maybe he was trying to pair up with her? Not sure. I will updated if I find out anything new. Still if anyone has any info on this particular matter please share. Thanks.

From what I have observed that is normal. My male occasionally will chase the female and let her know that he is bigger and in charge. Beyond that they tend to mind their own business. In the time I've owned them (about 1 year) I have only observed 1 spawning event and that was the only time they were close together for any period of time.

And for what it is worth my pair are in a 40b.

Thanks for the reply John. Glad to see this is normal behavior. Do you have Ruby Reds or different dragonets?

Very camera shy Ruby Reds.

Lol, I hear ya. My male is very camera shy as well. The female on the other hand I can gets pics all day everyday. Awesome little fish though.