Juraparis locking jaws?

[rvm]

When I turned of my tank lights tonight, I noticed my 2 Juraparis locking jaws for 20 seconds at a time. I presume it is a dominance thing, but is that right? Anyone know what they are up to?

 

[juanveldez]

depends on if they are both male it could be a territory type thing, but from the sounds of it, you have a male female and they are starting a courtship thing.
wouldn't worry about it unless it gets pretty serious.

 

[rvm]

Cool. That'd be nice, but I don't know how to tell male from female. All I can find is that the male looks more slender!!!!
Does anyone know any other ways to tell Juruparis apart?

 

[CFC]

Sounds like pre spawning behaviour. Males and females can be told apart by looking at the anal fins, the males anal fin is slightly pointed where as the females is more rounded. The differences are slight and it takes a keen eye to notice but it can be done.
Unfortunately actual spawnings of Satanoperca species in aquariums is quite rare, the ritual rarely gets past the jaw locking stage before they give up.

 

[rvm]

Oh well. Shame really as going by what you said they are a male and female. Never mind even if they did spawn I don't think any fry would stand a chance in that tank!!!