Sterbai Mating ?

[Mickfender]

Are my sterbai mating ? ive been watching them with the lights out in room and tank lights on, usually they stay behind plants at back of tank. But now they all over tank chasing each other, 3 in particular 1 is a bit bigger and rounder than the 2 chasing it. They seem to dance around each other while holding onto each others mouth going round in circles over and over. Never seen them do this before, i didnt think they where old enough to breed, they are about 2inches, but seemed much smaller than other sterbai in shop which are the owners personal fish. Ive got 6 sterbai, 6 young albino cory, 8 serpea tetra, 7 endlers and 20 red cherry shrimp in tank. The temp is a constant 25, ive done nothing different in the last few months, the usual 40% weekly water change and sand cleaning. Any comments welcome thanks Mick.

 

[Ben M]

hi, it sounds like breeding behaviour. at 2" they are big enough to spawn. the fatter one will be the female, and it sounds like 2 males chasing her. if you want to hatch any eggs you find you will need to move them into another container as if not the eggs will be eaten.

cheers

 

[Mickfender]

Hi thanks for reply pest control i will keep a close eye on them then and see what happens cheers Mick