Apistogramma Panduro

[anton92]

Purchased a wild pair of Apistogramma panduro from my LFS on saturday. They are in a 18x12x12 which is heavily planted with java fens and java moss, along with some almond leaves, coconut shells, over turned flower pots and bog wood. The female is slightly larger than the male at the present time. She is bullying the male and he has went into hiding and not coming out very often. Was just looking for advice on what to do?
I was thinking of contacting the store and checking if they would have any larger males which may be benefical.

Cheers, Anton.

 

[Mike Wise]

Your fish are behaving normally. They aren't a bonded pair - at least not yet. Nijsseni-group species (to which A. panduro belongs) tend to form a more monogamous bond than most apisto species, at least for a spawning attempt. Not every male/female pair forms a compatible bond. This is why I usually recommend hobbyists start with several specimens of each sex in a large tank. Once a pair bonds, they can be housed in a smaller tank with few problems. Your tank is a bit small for a non-bonded pair (and smaller than I prefer for a bonded pair), but since it is heavily planted I would let things be for now. Just keep an eye out for damage from aggression. They may eventually bond.