the shakes - ready to breed - or is my P. Taenia ill

[superstein61]

Ok, I have a pair of Pelvicachromis Taeniatus - Nigerian Green. Just have them about a week so I am not real familiar with their behavior, etc. They do hang together most of the time. The male is showing great color .

today, the male was having the shakes / shivers. He would stop and shake his body like you so when you shiver - then he would go back to what he was doing. the female was usually there close - so I did not know if this is art of their mating / breeding ritual - or if he had some disease.

I checked my handbook of Fish Health and really didn't see anything that would account for his shivers. He looks fine - and as I said, he is hsowing very good colors.

Any ideas? Thanks

 

[farm41]

Normal mating behaviour, good luck.

 

[Randall]

Courtship Behavior

Dear Super,

No, your fish isn't ill, sounds like courtship behavior to me, believe it or not.

Good luck with them!

Randall Kohn

 

[superstein61]

Ok, thanks much - I will keep a close eye on them - this should be interesting to observe

 

[Neil]

That is standard mating fare for Pelvicachromis species. It is one interesting ritual. Both of the sexes do it. They sure do seem to like to show off to each other. 8) Hopefully you will be posting about new babies in the tank soon.
Neil