Apistogramma Cacatuoides Female or Sneaker Male? Will not breed

[sora_blue99]

Hello!

I've had this pair of apisto cacatuoides for about 8 months now and they were sold as a pair. But they have never bred and only showed some occasional flashing. The male follows the female around a lot but doesn't show aggression/chase her too hard. I was wondering if the female is actually a sneaker male or if they are just not compatible. She is usually this dark color but has experienced some slight color change but definitely not the bright yellow I've seen in others. I have fed them live blackworms as well as frozen bloodworms and baby brine shrimp. They live in a 20L with a 8 Cardinal Tetras and 4 corydoras. Temp is at 80 degrees F and water is a little on the harder side at 7.4. Amm/nitrite/nitrates are normal.

If they are just incompatible I'd appreciate any advice on the next steps if I were to breed. Pics are attached any help is appreciated!

 

[MacZ]

While for the domestic strains this colouration could still well mean it's a female the shape of the caudal is pretty obviously male.

If you want to breed, get other tankmates than the cardinals and Corydoras. Pencilfish are fry safe, tetras are not.