Angels Behaviour

[mhancock]

Morning,
 
Is there an easy way to tell whether angels are pre-mating or just being aggressive when they lock mouths?  (other than waiting for eggs!!)
 
Thanks,
 
 
 
M

 

[DrRob]

That's generally aggression, although aggression can be part of pre-mating.
 
You want to see that reducing and a lot more hanging around together and swimming alongside stuff. Are there any dither's in the tank? They will be more aggressive to each other if there's nothing to distract the territorial feelings.

 

[mhancock]

Thanks Rob, what are dither's?

 

[DrRob]

Small fish to distract them. Big enough to cope but small enough to not be a threat. Can be used to keep breeding pairs calm when the tetra shoal or similar isn't bothered and gives them something to try to beat up that isn't each other.

 

[mhancock]

Ah - the tank has some platties, mollies, glass cats, clown loaches, gouramis, two rainbows and corries.  Also a couple of plecs but I doubt the angels notice them!

 

[Sophie]

Lip locking can be a sign of the female testing the males strength to see if he is a suitable (hunky) mate.
My last breeding pair paired without any scuffle but I recently swapped him for a younger model and she is putting him through his paces that's for sure.
If it is mating behaviour it should only last a few days if that.

If it lasts longer and things start getting ripped up and wounded then separation would be the only option.

It can obviously be territorial so if they are hanging about at either end trying to get away from each other then I personally would recommend separation as well to ease the stress on both party members.