Apistogramma Borellii Fighting or Courtship???

Optimus

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Aug 23, 2010
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I have two borellii in my 55 gal and have been trying to ID the sex of both. However this is proving difficult because depending on where they are in my aquarium and also their depth/height.

Yesterday I noticed that one would clamp his fins and turn on his side and sort of float/drift sideways towards the other and eventually both would turn their backs to each other and try to bat/fan the other with their tails?

And was wondering if this is a territorial display or courtship?
 
That's a sign of courtship, seems like you must have atleast one male and female
 
The thing is they don't have a particular color at times appearing female and at another male(ish.)

For instance the same fish at different depths in the aquarium.
215s2p.jpg

Then higher up...
29y61wz.jpg


Short vid I just uploaded to assist!

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Looks like a pair to me. They're displaying the signs of courtship but your right the colors do lack a male and female. Hmmm
 
I've been trying to figure out the sex for a while. At times I'm convinced they are both female then at others both male.

There is so little info out there. Breeding behavior on 99.9% is mostly cac apistos and those more common to the hobby seemingly copied and pasted for Borellii write ups. "Use a cave, female will guard fry etc etc"

I could find nothing on why one floats lifeless when approaching the female or why one looses all color and clamps his fins while performing this lifeless approach.
 
I've been trying to figure out the sex for a while. At times I'm convinced they are both female then at others both male.

There is so little info out there. Breeding behavior on 99.9% is mostly cac apistos and those more common to the hobby seemingly copied and pasted for Borellii write ups. "Use a cave, female will guard fry etc etc"

I could find nothing on why one floats lifeless when approaching the female or why one looses all color and clamps his fins while performing this lifeless approach.

I remember watching my double reds doing this. I've also witnessed it with many other cichlids, so I'd assume it's courtship.
 
Bill that is a stunning Borellii!

My apisto keeping isn't going to plan at all. My smaller Borellii that I think is maybe a female doesn't accept flake foods and is therefore eating 3 (sometimes 4) times a week when I feed frozen brine or bloodworm.

I feed them tetra min and the larger Borellii has no problems with it but I don't think the female is going to last on this diet.
 
Just uploaded this and realized that on film one does look more male-ish.

It captures the male doing that slow mo swim thing I mentioned in my initial post. Please see if you can ID the smaller Borellii at the end of the vid!

Hit 720p for clearer picture.

Oh and excuse the background kungfu my housemates etc etc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUA3ZkaEeKo
 
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