Apisto help needed

[likmuk]

I have a pair of juvenile ap. viejita (male and female) which i recently acquired. I am keeping them in a fairly well planted 2 feet tank with some hiding places (plus a coconut shell), Initially the pair were getting along quite well, swimming together and flapping tails at each other. Recently however, the male seems to have become quite aggressive, chasing the female around constantly and occasionally disturbing the other pencil fish in the tank. The female seems to be getting a little stressed, resorting to hiding behind the filter at the top corner of the tank.

My qns:
1. I understand that its quite common for a male to be territorial and aggressive, why the recent change in behaviour?
2. I am worried that the female may become overly stressed, any way to help the situation?

Thanks!

[Simon]

[quote:9ace00b0ff="likmuk"]I have a pair of juvenile ap. viejita (male and female) which i recently acquired. I am keeping them in a fairly well planted 2 feet tank with some hiding places (plus a coconut shell), Initially the pair were getting along quite well, swimming together and flapping tails at each other. Recently however, the male seems to have become quite aggressive, chasing the female around constantly and occasionally disturbing the other pencil fish in the tank. The female seems to be getting a little stressed, resorting to hiding behind the filter at the top corner of the tank.

My qns:
1. I understand that its quite common for a male to be territorial and aggressive, why the recent change in behaviour?
2. I am worried that the female may become overly stressed, any way to help the situation?

Thanks![/quote:9ace00b0ff]

kekkeee, prolly not breeding season for them :P.. if your tank has enough space for the female to hide then you don't have to worry too much for her, provide more hiding spots. If she gets too stressed, the best thing is to remove the male and reintroduce him once she is ready to spawn again.

[mordrake]

likmuk - don't worry la. the male is just getting horny. just follow simon's suggestion and when the female is ready, she will seduce the male instead