Yes, the female is removed after spawning. If not, he may/will kill
her. He's just doing what comes natural, as in the wild the female is
chased off, in a tank...she has no place to go and is attacked
constantly. Females often eat the eggs or fry, that's why the male is
"defending" the brood against her (Or so he was programed to think so).
As for the water level.....
It should have been only 4-5 inches high already and no need to lower
it any more than that.
However, I would like to ask if "Winddancir" knows the steps to come
and has a microworm culture going already, or other first foods set to
go?