ciclid behavior

[GrandeEsteban]

In my 25 gal tank I have two L. Caeruleus ( sp?) and two P. Kenyii, a gold nugget pleco. They all seem to get along quite well, however the one male P. Kenyii is a little on the pushy side of things. They are all quite healthy, wonderful color and very active. The one aspect of their behavior I wondered about though was the occasional body shaking. Sometimes when they come near each other they will raise their fins fully and begin to vibrate from head to tail. It's a small shake, but I can't determine if it is a territorial warning or some kind of mating behavior. I heard the Mbuna are active breeders this generally happens between the male and female P.Kenyii, but not always limited to just them. Any ideas???

thanks

Steve

[fam1197]

That is parting of their courting ritual, the males will do that until the females follow them into their territory where they will mate. It may take a while for this to happen.

[jimbo]

I think this behaviour has more than one purpose or meaning.
It makes part of their courting rituals, that is true, but it’s also a sign towards other fish saying; "watch out, I am the strongest". I have seen my M.Johannii showing this behaviour towards others in the tank, and not only in own his territory. I don’t know exactly what it means but I am sure it is used for several "strategies"

Jimmy

[demon_surfer]

like fam said the way they *fight* and the way they court are very similar.

they are displaying to each other. sorting out a pecking order as it were. as long as there is plenty of caves you should be ok.