Apistogramma Trifasciata

[C20MSY]

Hi. New to the forum. I bought what I thought was a pair of Apistogramma Trifasciata. Please can anybody confirm that the female is a Trifasciata and if not identify her. They are currently in my 120 gallon community tank. It is heavily planted with a few caves and plenty of places to hide, etc. I am in the process of setting up a 15 gallon tank for them as a breeding project. My concern is that the male is very territorial and chases her away even in my large tank. They both display to each other but then get aggressive. Any advice will be gratefully appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike Wise]

Yes, both are A. trifasciata. As you noticed, males are highly territorial and even worse when looking for breeding partners. Make sure the breeding tank has many, many hiding/breeding sites. Females have a rough time if they are not ready to spawn.

 

[C20MSY]

Hi Mike. Thank you for replying. Ok will do. Does she look ready as she is often displaying her yellow colours?

 

[Mike Wise]

Actually the female looks a bit worn (splits in caudal and anal fin. Is there any way to separate her from the male until she recovers? If they were my fish, I would add 2 more females just to spread the male's breeding aggression.