Fish sizing each other up??

[Fishy Finger]

Hi Folks....just hope you can answer this little question.

In my tank I have two Blue Acara's, fore Firemouth’s and many Barbs, now when the lights on my tank start to dim at night into dusk mode my fish start to size each other up. One of my Acara's in the day time is the dominant fish but at dusk both fish swim side by side head to tail in some sort of dance, also all my Firemouths seem to do the same thing with each other. It’s similar to what Tiger barbs do when they size each other up.

Question......Are they sizing each other up or is it some sort of mating dance?

It’s very nice to watch all the fish do this ,and there is No fighting.

Any ideas??

Fishy Finger

 

[Dragonslair]

They are doing what comes naturally in the wild. They are instintively moving themselves into a pecking order. In the wild they would not naturally be together as the species are miles apart, but they will arrange themselves within the species of fish within their locale. This is predominatly against predators at night. Most animals do this and if you notice the dominant is always in the middle. This is to ensure that his genes are passed on.
In the confines of an aquarium they know no better. Their instincts bred into them dominates their fight to survive.
In that as clear as mud?

 

[kribs mate]

without seeing i would have a guess at mating...or pairing up

 

[EX-AmP]

definately mating. if it was to establish pecking order they would jaw lock. lots of agression might occur soon, be careful. gl