Tiger Barbs nose to nose

[skyharbor]

I have noticed lately that 2 of my Tiger Barbs, I have 8, (not sure if the same 2 or different on each occasion) will face each other and nip each other's face. They seemed to be aiming for the side of the other fish's face and don't seem to be trying to hurt each other. I have seen them keep this up for 10-15 mins. at a time.

Is this some sort of ritual, are they actually fighting, one trying to 'step up' in the pecking order?

 

[The-Wolf]

it is normal behaviour for them.
they are either establishing a pecking oreder
or, if it is two males, they are trying to impress a female.

 

[millym]

hi
as the wolf says quite normal behaviour, my original tiger barb 6 pack used to do this all the time i suppose they were sorting out who was going to be boss for the day or something, i love watching them & think its hillarious esp with all the other tiger barbs watching & occasionally joining in...

we have lost all of our originals except one now (had them nearly 4 yrs) & we have 3 large stripey tigers & one very small green tiger & he spends all day trying desperately to get the stripeys to take him on in a little nose spinning but they just wont have it i dont know why, maybe its just cos hes too small ( about 2 cm) for them to take seriously at the moment. v funny to watch the big barbs scoot away from the irritating toddler. even better we just got 2 even smaller green tigers last weekend & mr small green really doesnt know what to make of them at all theyre even teenier at about 1cm big