Doing the Jig

[phiberXoptic]

Just out of curiosity. When two fish move up next to each other and do somewhat of a dance, is this just affection or is this some kind of mating jig?

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

I've seen it being used for 2 purposes:
1) a male is 'dancing' to court a female for mating or to show off.
OR
2) males are doing it to each other to show dominance or calling a challenge.

;)
-Diana

[phiberXoptic]

It doesn't seem to be 2 males trying to show off. I think it could be a male trying to court a female. What do you think if both of them are doing it together, could it still just be one trying to court the other? The reason why I am asking is because 2 of my Firemouths are doing it, I am still not sure whether or not they are both male or female because they are so hard to tell a difference, but I am pretty sure just based on observation that it is a male and a female.

I have another FM in the tank that is the dominant one, she (I'm pretty sure it's a she ;) ) usually breaks them up.

[Cat]

I have a male and female pair of FMs that do the same thing, they have never spawned and the female used to be very aggressive to the male, I think its more if a dominance thing with them squaring off to each other. If how ever you notice them lip locking then you could be expecting something! Females test the strength of a potential mate in this way to see if he is strong enough to father the sprogs or something.

[phiberXoptic]

oh ok thanks!