Are my Oscars fighting?

[mattfraser]

Hi

I have 2 Albine Oscar Cichlids. They are both about 6inches long. They have started chasing each other round in circles and are locking lips (As you know they have big lips)
Are they fighting or something else?

Cheers

Matt

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

Locking lips is a classic way cichlids fight. You may want to consider separating them... What size is your tank?

[liv2padl]

are they male and female?
both males?
both females?
what size tank are they in?

[mattfraser]

Update:

Have spoken to someone i know at a LFS and he says that it is probably part of a breeding/courtship process. He has a 8ft tank at his shop and he is willing to take them off me if i like. He explained that my tank although a little small, my tank is okay at the moment (4ft). But as i have what looks like a breeding pair they could really do with a larger tank or atleast the tank to themselves.
I don't want to give these fish away as they are quality but i guess as a fish keeper i have to do what is best for the fish. So tomorrow they will be going to their new home. Just got to work out how to catch them and transfer them with as little stress for them as possible.

Cheers All

Matt

[MightyMetallica]

in all of my expericence of watching oscars i think that locking lips is a form of fighting. They should lock lips and then twirl and thrash about, i don't think its breeding stuff, but i've never watched their courtship habbits

[mattfraser]

Hi - you could be right. Regardless, i think it's in my fishes best interest that they go to a 8foot tank. Will be much better for them there!

Matt