I think your idea about separating the cage is at least a really good start. I think you were very fortunate and unfortunate at the same time. Coloration is very hard to determine male / female comparison. There are so many male/female mimics, not to mention the physical characteristics that vary from animal to animal. My feeling is that you introduced a potential female to your male during the time of season that males are looking for mates. My own experience is that my Egyptian males are far more tolerant of any other uros, male or female, during the breeding season. My adult male Egyptians will do a battle dance to determine dominance, but usually this is much more timid than the normal aggressive stance taken at other uros in the proximity. My females have also shown a much more lax attitude during this time. A month after this period of time they will display all the mannerism that you described - The hissing, body angling, puffing up, mouth gaping, and of course the vicious biting...

Good luck on the separation. Reintroduction could be a little scary, so be prepared with a good leather glove to separate them again mid-battle so to save some injuries.

Hope this helps.

E

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