krib behavior issues

[toothbite]

I've got a 29-gallon tank with 4 columbian tetras, 6 gold barbs, a jewel gourami, and a young male krib. He seems pretty territorial about the center of the tank, especially his driftwood cave. Given his age, I wouldn't have thought he'd be displaying this behavior already, but we did lose the female krib a few days ago. I'm guessing that's probably why he's being so aggressive.

[sharpfin12]

It's possible the female was the dominant one in the tank, or at least big enough that the male didn't challenge her. Kribs can be quite aggressive, so it's likely that now she's gone, he's trying to assert his dominance. I've got a female krib myself, and she's definitely the boss - my male's always on the back foot. He may settle down over time, but if I were you, I'd consider pairing him with a larger female. It's always nice to have them in a pair, and it might help to keep him in check.

[reelcatch]

Could be eggs, even though she's gone he's taken over. My male is a total softie, my female's the one in charge.

[toothbite]

Thanks for the suggestions, both of them make sense. She was indeed bigger and older, so that could be a factor. I had the water level low the other day since I was doing something, but after raising it, he seems more relaxed now. Appreciate the input.

[creekdwlr]

I think he's taken over now that she's gone. Probably was intimidated by her size and age. Those tetras of yours better watch out though, might just become his next meal.

[toothbite]

They're pretty close in size, and to be honest the tetras don't seem too fazed by the Krib,

[ridera]

It's just the nature of cichlids, they're all territorial in their own way. Losing his mate might've made him feel more threatened by the other fish, or maybe he's just getting more aggressive as he gets older.