my male ram cichlid chases BOTH females all around the tank. he bumps and bites them. wats going on?

Question

does this mean he not compatible with neither females? i have 2 female rams and 1 male in a 50 gallon tank.

Answer 1

He is preparing to breed. He will pick the stronger female, and eventually breed. After he chooses his female, remove the other or else you will risk vicious attacks. Email me if you have any questions. Check out this site for more help with breeding Rams. http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Gallade_Max_Breeding_Microgeo_ramirezi.html

Nosoop4u

EDIT: This is not a territory issue, Rams are generally peaceful, but show aggression during spawning. Also, 50 gallons is more than enough for 3 of them, you could have a huge group of them if you so desired.

Answer 2

cichlid are VERY aggressive fish. your male is just trying to establish his territory , and may kill the females in trying to accomplish this. I have had many different species of chichlids and they all have bitten the fins of the other cichlids and even killed them to establish their territory.He is not trying to breed