I have found proper cover to be important. They like a cave, and will usually need one to breed. Otherwise, I keep my nijsseni in my 33 with really bright lighting and not a lot of plants (at the moment, I'm growing a hairgrass carpet) and they are always out and not shy at all. They will come up to my fingers if I put them on the tank and beg for food.
I think another key is to get captive bred apistos that are less sensitive and shy. Most apistos now that I see are captive bred, but wild specimens are often available as well.
I think another key is to get captive bred apistos that are less sensitive and shy. Most apistos now that I see are captive bred, but wild specimens are often available as well.