Banggai Cardinal behaviour

[May&Bruce]

I have two banggai cardinals that we have had since they were born (we had their mum and dad). They are now about 2 years old. They spend all their time side by side, and have successfully mated several times previously.

About a week ago I noticed that both of them had their tails partially eaten. This has never before and i have not noticed any other fish harassing them. Maybe they are in some mating ritual and have eaten each others tail?

Also, the female one is swimming around upside down when near the male. I thought it was sick so put it in my nano tank where it immediately swam the right way up and ate normally. When I put it back in our main tank the next day, she immediately turned upside down when near the other one.

Any ideas what is going on?

[May&Bruce]

Talked to Henry and he thought that it could simply be old age: they are 2-3 years old, which for a Banggai is doing pretty good.

Anyone else have any ideas?

[yikai]

hmm! very perculiar. have kept a pair before and never observed such behaviour. please do update us on it!