Aggressive male behavior help

[Nole4Life]

I have what I believe to be a pair of A.macmasteri or Viejitas. The male and female have been together since the beginning. However, each time the female comes around he flares and darts at her. He continues this for a little bit until she completely swims away. I have a 29 gallon that is heavily planted with 2 large pieces of driftwood and a rock cave. Any tips or helpful insights as to this behavior?

 

[Mike Wise]

This is actually typical courtship behavior for most apistos. If the female isn't ready to breed, she just leaves. She shouldn't be in danger in a heavily planted aquarium with many hiding places.

 

[MonteSS]

My Melgar did similar.

I she came out from her corner he would chase her back. Lately (after a couple months) he lets her come out and explore a bit. She is yellow and shakes and shimmies at him, but he doesnt show much interest.

...Bill

 

[Nole4Life]

Thanks Mike, I really appreciate the insight. Its pretty funny actually, they seemed to have become more accepting of each other lately. To the point they are sharing the same rock cave. Its strange how their personalities develop. I actually have another question, if you don't mind. I was wanting to add another pair of apisto's to the 29 gallon tank. Preferably two cacatiodes (either triple reds or orange flash... haven't decided on the tough decision). My tank includes a school of 10 harlequin rasbora, a cuckoo catfish, and the 2 A. macmasteri. Is this wise or too crowded? I was thinking about adding another cave to help with territory issues. What are your thoughts?

 

[Mike Wise]

Personally, I think a 29 gallon tank is too small for 2 different pairs of dwarf cichlids if you want them to successfully breed. You could try, of course, but I would expect some losses. If you do decide to try, please re-arrange the decor and make it as heavily decorated as possible. You don't want any fish to be able to see into another fish's territory.

 

[Nole4Life]

If I decided against the pair idea w/ the cocatoiudes. Will this resolve the problem or will the two males of different apisto types be aggressive towards each other with the one female?

 

[Mike Wise]

Two males will try to establish breeding territories. It doesn't matter if there is a female available or not. Usually this is more display than violent aggression. If the aquarium is properly decorated 2 males can co-exist in such a tank. Personally, I would add another female A. macmasteri - making certain that the tank decorations were rearranged and territorial boundaries are designed into it. Intraspecies territorial aggression among females is more violent than aggression between males (same or different species).

 

[Nole4Life]

Thanks Mike, here's a small pick of my 29 set up. I'm wanting to add more plants and at least a few more caves.

 

[Mike Wise]

You will definitely need more cover on the right side and something in the front part of the middle tank just to be safe.