Mandrin Male chasing Female

[NeonRabbit221B]

I got the female in Jan of last year and the male in april. The male came in larger and has been about twice the size and for last several months they seemed to be doing well together. I saw some initial behavior (sleeping near each other) that seemed to indicate a good match but in the last month the male has become aggressive. The female seems a little beat up as well so I separate then male into a breeder box and heavily fed for 4 days, added a bunch of pods and just kept them separate. A few days after adding him back and the behavior continues. Any tips?

Follow-up: tank is a 75 with rock from my old 40 gallon setup atleast 2 years go. Only other fish in the tank are 2 clowns which are pretty peaceful.

 

[KrisReef]

Turn the lights down low, try Vodka dosing and get her some lipstick. If that doesn’t work get a new female and see if he likes her. If all this fails then take out the two females and get another male. Sometimes the external features are not aligned with the Mandarin self conception. Try not to be judgmental.

 

[Tamberav]

Also be sure both are very healthy/fat... if there isn't enough pods to go around then breeding will not be on the mind. Food > Babies.

 

[dstockwell]

Sounds like a mood moment