Dovii male and female paired!

[Algaethegeko]

These juveys paired after I added the female. (After the male beat her up properly)
Now they seem fine together. I’m hoping they don’t try to breed right now as I’ve heard that young Doviis can have their growth slowed if they breed early. Any advice?

 

[lunsforj]

I think with most cichlids that monogamous spawn, it's mostly the female that suffers in growth. She is putting more energy into egg production. Males generally continue to grow and actually in my experience, that's usually a good thing. It allows the males to be dominant and not challenged by a rival fish of equal size. Also, the female can be given retreats that the male cannot access. Similarly sized pairs can be really difficult to maintain longterm.

 

[FINWIN]

Anthromorphic sexism aside, that's a nice Dovii pair.