Instant Angel Pairing

[mattpage]

Earlier today I introduced a new angel to my tank,
They were both new to the tank (one was bought recently, the other was in another tank).
The only other fish are a shoal of 12 penguin tetras.

After a quiet 5 minutes they started checking each other out, then started lip-locking and nipping each others fins. I have read the sticky on this, so I gather this is normal?

But my questions are, is it common for this to happen so quickly?
And if the behavior continues, how long should I leave it before I separate the two?

I am really hoping they will pair up, fingers crossed I guess

 

[Tolak]

It could be pairing, it could be territorial. Yes, they will act that way that quickly when mature. If it is pairing, they will act compatable at times, then tussle a little. If it's territorial behavior, they will keep their distance more, then battle. Keep an eye on them and expect some torn fins, & perhaps a few scraped scales.

At times even pairs will battle to the point of one or the other being mortally injured. Any time anyone is dealing with any cichlids pairing, a divider should be kept on hand.

 

[mattpage]

The aggression certainly seems to have settled now, they seem to follow each other about the tank, and the are chasing off the Penguins if they get too close. The fins are looking slightly nipped, but the damage doesnt look too bad.

I'm hoping all these are good signs?

How long until they lay eggs (if they do)
I havnt noticed them cleaning a particular surface yet.

 

[Tolak]

Sounds like pairing to me. It could be a day or two, or a couple of weeks before they spawn.

 

[xanthianacid]

This happened when my hubby and I decided to put some probable pairs into a tank of varying ages.
Immediately two we would have thought not mature enough paired up and they have spawned twice. They were pearl scales. The male has grown quite a bit since then, but the female seems more intent on making eggs. About one or two days after pairing and we separated the pairs of angels, then they spawned for the first time.
A few others did pair up too, but none spawned unfortunately. Big hopes on the pearlers.

Good luck with your pair. They are fastinating to watch.