swimming side by side bumping into each other

[Holly9937]

So my two balas are swimming the length of the tank side by side, literally right up against each other, and sort of wiggling so they hit each other. It doesn't look violent, but strange, I've never seen them do this before. I made a post a few days ago because the bigger one had been chasing one that is about an inch or so smaller, and it is the same two fish now.
Any idea what they're doing? Playing, aggression?

 

[YoFishboy]

My balas and tin foil barbs do that all the time...I think its a form of play/mating/display kinda thing...I don't think there is any need to worry...

 

[Holly9937]

I wasn't sure what to think of all this new behavior! I've had them for about a year, and they always hung out together, but other than that, never paid much attention to the other ones. I have 2 larger ones, around 4 inches or so, and the other one is really tiny compared to them, do you think I should get another small one? The little one hangs out with the other two when he can keep up! Should have at least a 150g by the end of the year, next summer at the latest.

 

[YoFishboy]

I think the 3 together are fine..the little guy will catch up....3 even in a 150G tank is about right, given their size and need to actively and constantly swim - enjoy!

 

[Holly9937]

Well, 6 months later they are at it again . They are really going at each other for the last few days. Now, they have added nibbling on each other to the act. Is this a mating thing? They still don't seem to be trying to hurt each other, but it seems a bit rough, and neither seems to be the dominant one.

 

[patoloco]

I have two and are dong the same. They catch up and swim side by side flapping each other's tail. It's funny. I think it's a mating behaviour.

I read that a mating couple of balas swim side by side at high speed and then the females leave the eggs and the male fertilize them. Al happens in a rush.

I think this is the reason why balas are not being captive bred. it takes a long long long long tank to give room for fertilization.




When I saw the title of the thread, I knew this was about balas. I'm learning. :dance:

 

[Holly9937]

Sometimes they are also forming a T, but both are still right side up, one just tries to sort of "sit" on top of the other.