Male Chasing females away

I have a tank with a big male and two female BNs as well as some Neon tetras and some swordtail fry. Plenty of caves and wood. The male spends most of his time in the largest cave - a broken ceramic pot. Lately I've noticed the females hanging around the entrance but when they get near he chases them away. He doesn't seem to be fanning and I don't think there are fry in there. Why is he chasing them away?

Chasing can be a pre-mating ritual. The male may chase the females all around the tank at first, but although it may look aggressive the females will keep returning to the cave. Chasing may last severel days and eventually the male will allow the female in the cave.

You could try some partial coldwater as described in Curbys Spawning Guide to see if it spurs them on or you could let nature run it's course

Thanks I found a similar answer in another thread I do partial weekly water changes with cold rain water and I've just done one so maybe that'll help the course of true love- the females are nice and plump

Good luck with them