Wierd behavior in Bala sharks..breeding?

[pseudoblond]

I may end up feeling dumb for asking this but...I've had a 55 gallon tank up and stocked for about a month now with a clown knife, 4 bala sharks, and a pictus catfish who are all getting along great but theres 2 balas who are acting wierd, and I was wondering if this is a precursor to possible spawning. I've been trying to find info on breeding balas but its really hard to find!! They swim alongside each other extremely close and rub and slap each other with their tails. They do this all day long, all along the tank, barely leaving each other. They're not being aggressive to each other but when another bala comes up to them they attack it. Do I have wierd fish or should I be doing something else for them?

 

[2oscars_n_my_5G]

Hmmm, I have kept balas. I have never heard of anyone successfully breeding them. But I will say that the clown knife is likely to get very mean pretty soon, and he will get VERY big. The 4 balas will get up to a foot in length each. Alot of fish in a 55. And with a very agressive fish like a clown knife he will eventually claim the whole tank for himself.

 

[mcps95]

I've seen the same behavior occasionally from two of my balas as well. Not sure what it is, but they usually stop after a little while, so I didn't think much of it.

 

[Copper]

I've witnessed the same behavior in the balas that I care for in the office fishtank. My thoughts are that it's either 1) some sort of prelude to mating. Mating has never actually occured in the numerous times they have done this. Usually it's after feeding and they are happy, but the tank environment is probably not "just right" for breeding, so it's probably the fish equivelent of "making out"; or 2) its just playful behavior. My Yo-Yo's chase and play often, especially after feeding, so it may be something similar.

I have also seen the balas take this activity as far as nibbling at each others tail. Not actually nipping fins or pulling scales, but more like a hard kiss to the side. It's actually pretty fun to watch and nobody is getting hurt.

IMO it's a sign that they are healthy and happy.