Cherry Barb Male Is Chasing Female

[celaeno]

well, i heeded lateral line's advice and got 3 cherry barbs, 1m and 2f, but now the male is only chasing the weaker female barb (the one with a broken upper tail bone), almost nonstop.

should i separate them? right now, all 3 barbs have 5 gallons of space in a 20 gallon tank.

 

[celaeno]

lol somehow, i don't think lateral line foresaw this...

 

[Lateral Line]

When moved into new surroundings, it is normal for there to be some sparring. It is also common for males to drive females. When did the tail damage occur?

 

[celaeno]

the tail damage is either a birth defect or a result of rough handling on the sales rep's part or my part. i believe it to be a birth defect.