He wants attention and she can't give it to him. Mbuna are harem fish and it's best to keep 2-3 females for every male of a species if possible. This gives the holding female some cover from his unwanted advances. If she's not able to hide or have another female take up the slack the male is going to run her ragged. While she's holding she is also not eating and will be worn down quickly.
I would get more females to prevent this in the future and as quickly as possible set-up a hospital tank where she can spit and recover her fins and strength or remove the male untill she is healthy again.
I would get more females to prevent this in the future and as quickly as possible set-up a hospital tank where she can spit and recover her fins and strength or remove the male untill she is healthy again.
