A.Trifasciata not really getting alone

[something_fishy]

hey guys im a newb here. i only have 2 Apistos. 1 male and 1 female trifasciata. ive had them for about 3 weeks to a month now and they seem to not really like each other much. the male tries to flash his colors but then he just aggressively chases the female. What may be the cause of this aggression? Also, the the lines that are displayed in many A.Trifasciata pics only show when they eat or when the male chases the female. would you guys suggest that i get an additional female?

my tank has a slate cave, a bridge, and a small shell as hiding spots. it also has sufficient amounts of plastic plants.

my parameters when i last checked them were:
pH- 6.4
Ammonia-0.0
Nitrite- 0.0
Nitrate-between 40-60

 

[Mike Wise]

Definitely get at least 1 more female. A. trifasciata is very polygamous & can be quite aggressive toward a single female not ready to breed. It is always better to spread the aggression between 2 or more females. That should keep him from picking on just one fish. If the tank doesn't have other fish, I'd add some dither fish, too.

 

[jose_vogel]

Also, try to lower de Nitrates (NO3), 40-60 ppm is too much. Make a 40% water change.