Very Confused Fish....

[DyArianna]

This morning I witnessed something that rather surprised me. Black Betty (marble lyretail mollie) and a new addition who has yet to be named (male dalmation mollie) were doing some sort of dance that is very similar to what egg scatterers do. They were along side each other in an S pattern and continued to rub against each other at times. There was one point that they even kissed each other! Now I know I can be crazy but this was just wild. Black Betty was the Queen of the tank prior to adding Mr. no name and another male but Mr. No name tried to take over the reigns. Is it possible for livebearers to pick a mate? Because it sure seems like these two have.

 

[Baccus]

Livebearers can and do choose partners, usually we don't get to see it because the males are so busy trying to mate with anything that remotely resembles a female. But female livebearers will try to only breed with the male that appeals to them, its in their own genetic interests to only breed with the best available.

 

[snazy]

I've seen my male guppies do that. It's very beautiful, like some type of communication but I have no idea why they do that.

 

[DyArianna]

I've watched my male guppies too Snazy. But this was a lot slower and seemed to have much more purpose. Baccus, it was just really surprising that these two were so amorous for such a length. After all was said and done they each went for a rest in a corner of the tank. Like they were wiped out. Well we all know how relationships can wipe you out! lol Good to know that this is a behavior that is not unheard of. I guess we will see if my mollies progress in this relationship....or if she kicks him to the curb! lol