Reverse trio

[ChiefBrody]

I have a reverse trio but the female only seems to shimmy for the smaller male. Should I take the larger male out or am I mistaking her behavior toward the smaller male as an indication of breeding when in fact she's bonded with the larger male who has claimed a cave and stays inside most of the time?
These are A. Caucatoides.

 

[Mike Wise]

A. cacatuoides, and nearly all apistos, do not 'bond'. Also, females initiate breeding, not males. Without knowing more about your aquarium it's hard to say if it's worthwhile to remove the other male.

 

[ChiefBrody]

Thanks for the reply. The smaller male and the female are the only ones I ever see out and about. The larger male stays in the cave for the most part.
It's a 29 gallon (110 litres) high with plants, swordtails, and shrimp. There are rocks to hide under and 1 large cave.
The apistos aren't yet a year old and spent some time outside this past summer. In the past I've had success with multiple females and one male but it appears I have two males and one female this time.
I'd like them to breed. Any help is appreciated.

 

[ChiefBrody]

I have a reverse trio but the female only seems to shimmy for the smaller male. Should I take the larger male out or am I mistaking her behavior toward the smaller male as an indication of breeding when in fact she's bonded with the larger male who has claimed a cave and stays inside most of the time?
These are A. Caucatoides.

I think I found my answer on one of the other forums here. They need there own tank.
Every time I successfully bred them in the past they were by themselves with just plants.