Red Empress

[kayla]

:hi:
I had two red empress in my 46gal which I bought as 1.5" juvies, because I was planning to upgrade.. and havent had the chance to yet. Anyway, I woke up this morning and noticed something weird with one of them. (They haven't colored up yet, because I think they are female, so they never will) One of them was really darker black/silver and the other was a lighter color black/silver... All of a sudden they charged at each other and locked lips! I have never seen this before!! I heard of shaking, and whacking each other with their tail! I didn't know that females are that agressive to each other, just males? Anyway, so I had to give them to a friend with a bigger tank.125gal :sad: Has anyone seen this in their tanks at all? They were not agressive to any other species but to each other.

[BobC]

I've seen many cichlids lock lips, related either to territory, or breeding. It is not restricted to males, nor cichlids of the same species even. Many cichlid pairs go through (sometimes rough) extended courtship rituals.
Some chichlids take quite a while to mature (in the sense of full male color expression), but I'm not personally experienced with Red Empress - sorry.
Bob

[kanakaia]

I've seen a RD and a managuense lock lips both females. Just cause there female don't mean they can't be aggressive. Hell you should see my wife when walmart has sales.

[kayla]

I've seen a RD and a managuense lock lips both females. Just cause there female don't mean they can't be aggressive. Hell you should see my wife when walmart has sales.

LOL!!!

[scholar]

If you are in Southern CA, I will trade for one of the females. I have a boy who needs some company.)

[kayla]

SO Cali, I wish. I'm all the way up in Minnesota. :(

[scholar]

Well,

If you ever come to CA., e-mail me and bring one of the females with you.
I am also a fan Saulosi's.)

[kayla]

Dang, I've got 6 fry left im trying to get off my hands :( ..

[scholar]

I would trade those 6 fries with electric yellows or Socolofi's too. :)