Apisto Borellis Not Getting Along

[fiishman]

Hi there,

I just bought a male/female pair of young apisto borellis (male 1.25", female 1"). They're colors are just beginning to show so they're probably not mature yet. I just got them a few hours ago and they are acclimated already.

Anyways, I have a 20G L with a variety of other fish. The male borellis seems to really like my sponge filter and sits by it and nibbles at it. The female explored the whole tank and seems more outgoing. However, if the females gets close to the male, the male will flare his gills and chase her away from his "side" of the tank. No real damage is being done as far as I can tell.

Does this pair just not get along? Or is it too early to tell and they might settle down? Should I buy another female to ease the male?

Sorry but I'm new to cichlids in general but thanks for the help!

 

[fiishman]

Addon: The male doesn't mind any other species getting in his face or anything, just the female

 

[regani]

Just give them time. Once they have settled in they will start to show more interest in each other, provided you have male and female

 

[Jshill103]

That is normal. They might just be setting up their territory.