kribensis breeding pair

Question
hi i bought a breeding pair of kribs,when i went to get them they were swimming with each other and really colourfull but when i put them in my tank the male just hides in a cave and whenever the female tries to go in there he keeps biting her and pushes her out,he has also lost all his colour, he is pale.
is this normal or are they not a pair and do you know how to make them a pair again
thanks
p.s sorry for the long question

Answer
Hi Sean,
Krebensis are one of the easiest cichlids to breed.  The female is the exception to the rule, and is more colourful than the male, and smaller.  They are aggressive fish, even towards each other at times.  
They are in a new environment, and this may delay the spawn.  They have their spawn in overturned clay pots.  I will add here, that once the fry are free swimming, the mother sometimes takes them in her mouth to protect them, and put them somewhere else.  I just wanted to mention this incase they do spawn, and you see this, she isn't eating the fry.  Normally they make good parents.  The female stays with her young, and the male defends the territory.
It could also be that they have had the spawn, check carefully, maybe there is a spawn in the cave.  
I have bred these beautiful fish with no problem.  There are exceptions to the rule, but usually there is no problem, since they both look after the spawn, and make good parents.  Once the fry is free swimming, feed them baby brine shrimp that you can buy frozen at the Pet Store, or you may hatch them yourself which is less expensive since you will have to feed them four times a day.  You may also feed them baby dry food, but starting them off with baby brine shrimp is best.  Water changes everyday is a must, after the fry are free swimming.  Ammonia build up happens quickly, so we must make water changes everyday to make sure this does not happen.  It also keeps the fry healthy, and they grow faster.  
If they haven't already done so, they will spawn again.  Observation is the key.  If you see that the male is always attacking the female, take him out, and put him back in after two weeks of separation.  
Water quality could also be a factor.  Make sure your water chemistry is okay.  There should be no ammonia, nitrates should be safe, and a PH of 7.0 to 7.5.  They should have hiding places, rocky formation, overturned pots, and a few silk plants.
You did not mention the size of your tank.  Krebensis need lots of room, and are not fit for small tanks.  This could also be a factor.
Hope this helps, and that you will have a nice spawn.
Lynda