Why do male Apistogrammas die more than females?

[Olorin]

Hi, I this year I have hade 4 Apistogramma Agassizi females and 3 males. All males are dead now and one female. Are males more sensitive?

 

[Mud Pie Mama]

I do not have any answer, sorry. But , I want to add that this has been the same problem that I've been having. Also, again especially w/ my A. agassizii.

First I thought it was due to bad local stock, (imports from Far East.) I went thru three males in 2006 & 2007. That original female from 2006 is still healthy and hanging out in a community tank.

So this year I hoped to increase my odds of success w/ better stock by shipping in from specialty mail order suppliers. A wild aggies, one A. agassizii "Double Red" Czech breed, and one from a breeder out west. I am now watching my last male slowly decline. There are three healthy - and now sad females - in his tank. And I have another two widowed females in two other tanks.

So, yes the girls remain and the boys are going, going, gone.
I'd love to know what's up or why.

I'm feeling so frustrated I'm just about ready to throw in the towel on any more A. agassizii. EXCEPT I've got FIVE lonely girls! UGHHH! What do I do w/ five girls!???

 

[Olorin]

One more with the same problem. You wrote fading, and that is a very good description. They start out aggressive to conquer the whole tank, then when the territories are set up, they get slower and less colourful for every day. I have one male now that is still alive, but I am sure he is blind cause he randomly bump inte things and change direction like one of those car toys with a spinning drive wheel.

And just like you I keep stocking up on females. Now I have thre sade females... And just like you I am about to give up on Agassizi.