I have 2 red dragons the male is about 9" the female is about 5". I had them in the same tank with a divider for about 3 weeks to see how they reacted to each other. When I took the divider out everything seemed good they didnt fight, they would always stayed together, and the females stripes came out. The males started digging in one corner of the tank I figure this was to breed. Well two weeks go by with them together in the tank still no problems.(no eggs either) All of a sudden I came home today and the male has destroyed my female and almost killed her. I separated them again and not sure why the sudden problem with them. Whats the best thing I can do to help my female heal from all the deep gouges on her sides. (look like she had been being slammed against the rocks in the tank) And also should I give up on breeding these two or should I try again in a few months? Thanks all feed bad is appreciated!

That sucks, sorry to hear that. Did she get hurt on rocks? I don't have any decorations in my tanks just because of that, just a little gravel but that's about it.

You can use Melafix and salt to help heal her wounds preferably in a separate tank to lessen stress.

Sounds like they did not pair up, perhaps trying with a different female might work.

Yup. I agree with Anthony, Melafix & salt would cure it.

ok first thing is when you are watching them with the divider in you want them to start digging and shaking alot before introducing them without the divider. meaning being they will pair up with the divider. you will know they are a pair while the divider is still in place. when i try to pair up a fish i will put multiple females around him to see who likes him and who he likes. them when a pair is choosen i remove the other fish from the tank or put in solid divider that they cant see through. then i will put the pair together for only 5 min then seperate them again. i make them want to be together. i will do this everyday (take the divider out then put it back after a few minutes) till the day of or before she lays her eggs. i also wrap the tank with background sheet the day of or before she lays so they feel more comfortable and dont have to pay attention everytime i walk in the room or by the tank. then i will keep them together as long as possible keeping the tank wrapped and peeking in on them to check if they are fighting. sometimes only hours after but hoppfully the next day i remove the male. the following day i remove the plate off eggs unless the female does more then just fan them. like she eats them but not ussally. she eats some cause shes trying to keep them clean.

i hope this helps bro. and i hope your female is ok. she can probably die if the wound are really bad or she lost alot of scales. she will die from infection from the wounds. melafix the tank asap. add salt to the tank ( one handful every twenty gallons ) and raise the temp to 86.

I agree with Anthony that they didnt pair up and would look for another mate for him.

I suggest you give it time, maybe a couple of months will do, then try again. If it's still no go, drop it, and replace either.