Jewel Cichlid "Mouth to Mouth"?

[davo0903]

Hey all. I've had a couple of jewel's for close to six months now, though they are much older than that. In that whole time, the two of them have always acted very peacefully towards eachother. That was until tonight, where the strangest thing happened. They locked mouths with eachother, and remained that way for quite some time, swimming up and down the tank. They'd seperate occasionally for a second before launching back into it. Then just as quickly, it was over. One of them faded right out, going from a bright red to a dull khaki colour in seconds.

Is this some sought of alpha male fighting for these guys? It was just a complete turn around of character for these guys, but now as I look at them, they're swimming next to eachother all chummy again....?

Any ideas?

[nick]

i have jewels too :), just got my first ever lot of eggs tonight....but maybe they are trying to sort out who is boss of the tank, or just a bigg effectionate kiss, lol...but it could be for territory maybe, or ownership of the tank

[here fishie fishie]

Usually cichlids won't fight to a last resort. I'd say that the sub dom thought it was it's turn to aim up, & the top dog wasn't keen to give up. The locking of lips is a test of strength. The fading of colour & backing down was the losers way of saying you win.

Frenchy :D