Yesterday one of my rams (I think the female) looked a bit down and rather dark. Spent alot of time sitting on top of the heater, then near a certain rock and then in a hole in the driftwood. Male was acting pretty normal.

Late yesterday they were hanging out together very close and very bright and colourful.

This morning both are looking dark and one is sitting on top of a rock and the other no where near by but chilling down on the gravel.

I initially was worried the female was sick and then actually thought they may be spawning.

All other fish are fine and water parameters are A OK including tempreture.

Can anyone tell me if this sounds like normal breeding behaviour or possibly something else?

Cheers

:-?

Is it possible that the water parameters were fluctuating?

Is it possible that the water parameters were fluctuating?

Yep as did a 20% water change yesterday.

It sounds like they are stressed for whatever reason :\

Are they guarding eggs? Or acting like they are breeding? Is the affected fish breathing any heavier?

Have not spotted any eggs or any heavier breathing. Not sure whether they are acting like breeding as havent had them breed before but am wondering if this could be what they are doing.

Are they eating normal amounts and with the same vigour as usual?

Yeah seem to be eating ok

I'm no expert that's for sure, but I wouldn't be worrying too much if they haven't changed their eating habits. If there are no visible signs of disease I'd just keep a close eye on them for the next wee while.

They seem to be doing ok.

Both have coloured up a bit more but are still not up to their usual antics and sitting around a fair bit.

Havent done any further water changes or anything. Parameters seem all good but just going for stability right now and seeing how they go.

Cheers