i see so many people asking question regarding angelfish behavior, especially when aggression arises.
basically, the behavior begins when the two angelfish lock lips, almost looking like they were being very intimate. however, as the behavior continues, it is notable that this is not an affectionate locking of the jaws, but is one of aggression. once they lock jaws, they push as hard as they can towards each other. they typically take intermediate breaths and rest. a watcher can tell that each is out of oxygen and must restore the gas to their bodies in order to continue the behavior. after locking jaws many times and returning to get oxygen, angelfish A retracts its feelers and then bounces them down in display of dominance. it then begins to peck around the bottom of the gills, underneath the mouth on the golden angelfish. this reoccurs several times. angelfish B begins to raise its mouth anticipating the pecks from underneath. A then swims two circles around angelfish B. pecking then continues on the angelfish B. both fish return to the surface for air before A then circles angelfish B twice more. pecks then are repositioned to the angelfish B's head. angelfish B anticipates this peck and "bows down" to the angelfish A before the peck is given. this is done as if to accept the peck on the head. A then pecks on the side behind the eye. angelfish B retracts and swims away. angelfish A then follows in parallel. as they continue in opposite directions, A then sneaks upon angelfish B and begins to peck it on the tailfin. angelfish A continues to peck at the B’s rear and side rear. B always retracts and does not attack with the mouth at any time, and the pecks are allowed.
often seen when two fish competing for any type of space or feeding order. even though in a tank there is no feeding order and all can eat at the same time, the behavior seems to occur from the natural state of the angelfish. space is a major factor in a tank environment, however. if the fish fight for dominance, one fish may be able to claim a specific territory within the tank at any given time. when even the dominant angelfish sees a reflection of itself in a mirror, it will back off from its location.
cheers.
*do correct me for any mistakes*
basically, the behavior begins when the two angelfish lock lips, almost looking like they were being very intimate. however, as the behavior continues, it is notable that this is not an affectionate locking of the jaws, but is one of aggression. once they lock jaws, they push as hard as they can towards each other. they typically take intermediate breaths and rest. a watcher can tell that each is out of oxygen and must restore the gas to their bodies in order to continue the behavior. after locking jaws many times and returning to get oxygen, angelfish A retracts its feelers and then bounces them down in display of dominance. it then begins to peck around the bottom of the gills, underneath the mouth on the golden angelfish. this reoccurs several times. angelfish B begins to raise its mouth anticipating the pecks from underneath. A then swims two circles around angelfish B. pecking then continues on the angelfish B. both fish return to the surface for air before A then circles angelfish B twice more. pecks then are repositioned to the angelfish B's head. angelfish B anticipates this peck and "bows down" to the angelfish A before the peck is given. this is done as if to accept the peck on the head. A then pecks on the side behind the eye. angelfish B retracts and swims away. angelfish A then follows in parallel. as they continue in opposite directions, A then sneaks upon angelfish B and begins to peck it on the tailfin. angelfish A continues to peck at the B’s rear and side rear. B always retracts and does not attack with the mouth at any time, and the pecks are allowed.
often seen when two fish competing for any type of space or feeding order. even though in a tank there is no feeding order and all can eat at the same time, the behavior seems to occur from the natural state of the angelfish. space is a major factor in a tank environment, however. if the fish fight for dominance, one fish may be able to claim a specific territory within the tank at any given time. when even the dominant angelfish sees a reflection of itself in a mirror, it will back off from its location.
cheers.
*do correct me for any mistakes*
