Agressive male apisto

[Hugo Borjesson]

Hey, i have had a male cacatoo ciclid for about 6 months now and recently added a female. Its in a 20 gallon long that is heavily planted. The male is non stop harassing the female but there is no damage done, yet, after a week. She is very young, just at selling size and he is about a year old, is it normal behavour for him to fist flare and wiggle and show of his colors then dart right at her as soon as he sees her. Is it just breeding behavour or pure agression, what should i do?

 

[yukondog]

Welcome to the sight Hugo, If she is not ready to bred but he is, he could stress her enough to kill her, I would remove the young female to another tank to grow up some more.

 

[CRD]

Hey, i have had a male cacatoo ciclid for about 6 months now and recently added a female. Its in a 20 gallon long that is heavily planted. The male is non stop harassing the female but there is no damage done, yet, after a week. She is very young, just at selling size and he is about a year old, is it normal behavour for him to fist flare and wiggle and show of his colors then dart right at her as soon as he sees her. Is it just breeding behavour or pure agression, what should i do?

That 20 long is "his" house. Females that are willing to breed will be tolerated....females that are not may be evicted. Good advice above ^^^

 

[Hugo Borjesson]

Ok thak you all, whould a 6 gallon tank be fine for just her?