Pairing question a.eppiphium

[adtravels]

how long would I give to to fish before assuming that they will never pair? (i.e two females) Is wilkersons rule of two months reliable?

i have two a.eppiphium for a week and a half (I know short time)
and a bta the larger darker one has claimed the bta and wont let the other near it at first it actively attacked the smaller fish now it still attacks but a little less frequently. They sleep close together at night (within 2 inches) but still dont share the nem (the subordinate sleeps in the macroalgae).
the smaller one tends to cower in on corner most of the day the bigger comes out and threatens the other frequently, somtimes actually attacking only sometimes will the smaller one shimmy in submission most it just runs or trys to threaten back. there is never any full blown lip locking or fighting.
there has not been much progress in the short time and I would like some reassurance as even tomatos I have owned have not done this. thanks

heres the brute and it on a foray/attack run

 

[JJFly]

I have had them take anywhere from 30seconds to 3 months to pair. Give her a little time. The fact she didn't kill the other in the first 24hrs is a good sign you have male/female in there. Two females and you would know it immediately! These are some of the hardest to pair. Patience is required.