Altolamprolugus calvus

[SteveScheuring]

I picked up a pair of Altolamprolugus calvus about 2 1/2 weeks ago.  I was told they had mated in the past.  The male is about 3" and the female about 2" (as I was told the sexes).  They are in a 90 gallon tank with 5 other fish (similar size) and they appear to have acclimated well.

Is it normal for the female to continually peck at the male?  He does not show any damage and doesn't seem to care too much but it seems odd.  He just turns his side to her and lets her go at him.  I would have assumed the male would be the aggressor.

Any input would be great!

[xufan02]

I have seen similar behavior in my tank but it usually stops once the pair settles on a territory.  If you do not have breeding caves, large shells, or something to assist the pair they might continue to bicker until they settle in.

I had a few spawns in a 40 long, but the fry are hard to keep alive.  I put my quad in 1M/3F in my 125 with my Gibberosa kitumba.  They don't fight as much with a 6ft tank, but they are conspecies aggressive by nature.

Just keep being watchful, get some breeder caves or shells and they will eventually settle down.