Apistogramma borelli "opal" males issues

[NoMad]

Hey everyone,
I purchased a pair of juvenile apistogramma borelli a month and a half ago specifically as a couple (male and female). Wasn't quite sure for a long time if the smaller/less dominant one is a female or just "female coded" as it didn't really show any signs of male appearance. I'm now sure it's a he as well as he started colouring.
I don't really know what to do now (as I'm new to apistogramma). I want to keep them both but don't know if the aggression from the dominant male isn't gonna get worse. I got a HEAVILY planted 20 gallon long setup with lots of hide spots and got them with just 9 ottos.
What are my choices? Should I keep it like that and see what's gonna happen? Or add a schooling fish for distraction? Or maybe introduce a female to change the ballance?
I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[MacZ]

specifically as a couple

Which is a misconception. Apistogramma are not monogamously forming pairs.

or just "female coded"

You are aware this is an entirely human concept? There is a phenomenon called sneaker males, when a low ranking male poses female to evade aggression.

I want to keep them both but don't know if the aggression from the dominant male isn't gonna get worse.

Is there any aggression at the moment? You're lucky it's A. borellii, other species would pose a real problem in this situation. Also unless you specifically want to breed there is no need to get both sexes.

I got a HEAVILY planted 20 gallon long setup with lots of hide spots

One € for every time people post that exact sentence and I won't have to work for the rest of my life. Please post a picture.

and got them with just 9 ottos.

On the one hand a species appropriate number, but even in a very well seasoned tank with good aufwuchs this is too many. You will lose some to starvation unless you supplement-feed.

What are my choices? Should I keep it like that and see what's gonna happen?

Leave it as is if there is no aggression but be prepared to remove one of them any time.

Or add a schooling fish for distraction?

Won't do anything. Not even distract.

Or maybe introduce a female to change the ballance?

Not an option, either the female gets harrassed from both males or the less dominant male draws the short lot and ends up without territory. Unless you want to breed, don't do it.

 

[KenL]

I thought the term “sneaker male” was about a male fish hiding in plain sight in order to sneak in and fertilise female’s eggs without the large male noticing.

 

[NoMad]

Which is a misconception. Apistogramma are not monogamously forming pairs.

You are aware this is an entirely human concept? There is a phenomenon called sneaker males, when a low ranking male poses female to evade aggression.

Is there any aggression at the moment? You're lucky it's A. borellii, other species would pose a real problem in this situation. Also unless you specifically want to breed there is no need to get both sexes.

One € for every time people post that exact sentence and I won't have to work for the rest of my life. Please post a picture.

On the one hand a species appropriate number, but even in a very well seasoned tank with good aufwuchs this is too many. You will lose some to starvation unless you supplement-feed.

Leave it as is if there is no aggression but be prepared to remove one of them any time.

Won't do anything. Not even distract.

Not an option, either the female gets harrassed from both males or the less dominant male draws the short lot and ends up without territory. Unless you want to breed, don't do it.

Hey, thanks for your reply!
1) First of all I know they don't form a monogamous relationship. Just wanted two that's all.
2) yup I meant the sneaker male form (I'm not a native speaker so don't know the lingo)
3) there is an aggression yes. It's all in the form of chasing or displaying/tail flapping (it gets worse with feeding tho). Otherwise they pretty much respect each territory.
4) it is heavily planted can post a picture if you want
5) we're here for apistogramma. Otherwise I'm pretty experienced in fish keeping. Love ottos and their schooling behaviour and obviously supplement mine with spinach and zucchini, they even eat spirulina sinking pellets they won't starve so don't worry about that (eating well and I keep them chubby).
6) thanks for your advice, I'm gonna leave it for now (was thinking about a small group of ruby tetra but that has to wait)
I just thought that schooling fish can sometimes help with stress of territorial fish.

 

[NoMad]

The thing is I don't really have the option of relocating him. Can't have more tanks (I'm a student so can't afford it financialy and don't have room for that anyway). There are no local shops I'd trust or don't know anyone with intermediate fish keeping skills.
About the tank, it's a 100 l (80 cm) but wanted to grow emersed plants so I keep the water level low (apistos stay near the substrate anyway)

 

[MacZ]

I thought the term “sneaker male” was about a male fish hiding in plain sight in order to sneak in and fertilise female’s eggs without the large male noticing.

In that meaining I only know that from cuttlefish.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

About the tank, it's a 100 l (80 cm) but wanted to grow emersed plants so I keep the water level low

Nice tank.

The two Apistogramma look like they are both males and not A. borellii. You will need some-one who knows more to give you confirmation of sex and identity.

cheers Darrel

 

[NoMad]

Hi all,

Nice tank.

The two Apistogramma look like they are both males and not A. borellii. You will need some-one who knows more to give you confirmation of sex and identity.

cheers Darrel

Thanks for your reply!
Are they really not A. borelli? I bought them as A. sp. "opal" so assumed their borelli opals. Mind that they're still juveniles only obout 3 months old.
But would be super grateful for confirmation from experts here.

 

[Frank Hättich]

Thanks for your reply!
Are they really not A. borelli? I bought them as A. sp. "opal" so assumed their borelli opals. Mind that they're still juveniles only obout 3 months old.
But would be super grateful for confirmation from experts here.

Darrel is right, your fish are certainly not A. borellii. They look like a form of A. (cf.) caetei to me and they are both males.

 

[NoMad]

Darrel is right, your fish are certainly not A. borellii. They look like a form of A. (cf.) caetei to me and they are both males.

Oh you're right they do look like caetei. I keep them at 24 °C, isn't that too low for caetei?

 

[MacZ]

24-26°C is standard tropical, anything outside that range is either full equatorial or subtropical. So 24 is safe.