A. sp Oregon

[merlin]

I have a group of 5 young fish of this species. 2 have now declared themselves as females and ready for a male. Unfortunately the males appear to be lagging a bit in maturity. This morning a male and female were having a go at one another and eventually led to them locking mouths and swimming about like this. Is this aggression or is it normal foreplay to breeding.
Derek

 

[Mike Wise]

It might be either - or both. A. sp. Oregon is a member of the nijsseni-group. This group tends to form a pair bond for a breeding cycle, when 2 fish find each other compatible. Not every male and female are compatible. Your fish may be testing each other. Just keep an eye on them.

 

[merlin]

Thanks Mike

Derek