[burnsbabe]

So, having purchased a group of five angelfish several months ago, I've done quite a bit of reading. I'm pretty familiar with everything from standard habitat, to breeding behavior, to how to raise little ones (not that I have any). What I DON'T have much info on is what juvie angels act like when they're in the midst of pairing off.

I have three of my five who are currently exhibiting some new behaviors. They're bumping cheeks and sides, doing a bit more chasing than usual, and there have been brief moments of kissing. Most of this is initiated by one of my wild types toward primarily my marble, but also the other wild. The smallest one (the koi) and the black angel have so far been left out.

I know that the kissing especially is indicative of breeding but I don't have a confirmed pair yet, and it hasn't lasted as long as is usually shown during breeding. Do I have some angels who are playing around trying to figure out who to pair up with?

For the record, I got these guys probably 4 months ago. Bought them at the LFS so they were already at least 3 months old then. The largest is probably 3 inches long and 5 inches from top to bottom (counting fins). Does this sound like the right size/age for this sort of behavior to be starting? I'm a bit excited.

 

[Backer]

I would also be interested in information on such behaviors if anyone has any

 

[LisaC144]

Hi Burnsbabe, the 'kissing' AKA 'lip locking' you're seeing is a sign of a possible pair pre spawning. They are currently testing each other out to make sure they are a good fit. Angelfish will do this prior to spawning. The male challenges the female and if the female decides he is a good fit, they will spawn. I have one pair of Angels in my 125g tank that spawn at least twice a month. Although they are the only two Angels in the tank, they display this spawning behavior every time prior to spawning. I always know when to kee pa look out for eggs. They will also chase each other quite a bit and the lip locking can get so severe that marks are left around the lips. This is normal Angelfish behavior. Some Angels are more aggressive prior to spawning than others. Keep a look out. You may be seeing eggs in the coming weeks

 

[burnsbabe]

Thanks Lisa! I knew that already, but what has me confused is that no one is being exclusive about who they're exhibiting this behavior with. Also, unless I'm very much mistaken, nobody's actually old enough to be breeding yet, just thinking about who they might want to breed with in the future. Yes, my angelfish are the fish equivalent of 13!

I was just not sure if this behavior was exclusive to spawning, or might also be used to test possible partners before pairing but not spawning yet.

 

[Byron]

If the angels are 3 inches in length as you mentioned, they are more than able to spawn. It could also be standard aggression.

 

[Plumkin]

I noticed when i put my large black angel in the fish tank a smaller angel [medium] went right at him lip locking him and evverything there both still small in my eyes i hae no idea how they could be pairing or anythign the large ones body is like 2inches up and down and then the marbl is like a inch 1/2 so I just am not to sure about this.. ?

 

[1077]

If the angels are 3 inches in length as you mentioned, they are more than able to spawn. It could also be standard aggression.

+one ,Sparring for dominance and or right's to spawn with fish this size would be common.

 

[Plumkin]

oh my if they do become a pair i might have 2 pair of breeding angels