Angelfish Fighting?

[Mark Z.]

Hi,

I have three large angelfish in a 48-gallon community tank. The two oldest angels, who have been together for over a year, recently started flaring their gills at each other and grabbing each other by the mouth. Will they hurt each other? Should I be concerned?

I have had angels before that have bred, and I never saw this behavior. They don't bother with the third angel.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[minnnt]

Are they sexed? Mine do it from time to time but nothing comes of it. My female and her old partner used to do it and it led to mouth fungus and the male eventually died. Just keep an eye on it mate. Sometimes it is a test to see if the other one is a suitable mate. But it is also classed as fighting.