Bolivian Rams Lip Locking???

[Botanica]

Hi everyone...Im just wondering if my rams are fighting or pre-mating. I know these are male and female because they have had fry before. The fry made it in the community tank for like 8-9 days before vanishing one night. I cant figure a reason they would start showing aggression at this point...but Ive never had bolivians before.
They live in a 55 gallon community planted tank that is currently understocked. Parameters are 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, 10 Nitrate and pH 7.6. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!!

 

[MMantelli]

sounds like it might be there mating dance

 

[Tetra1990]

It's a dominance thing and it's normal to an extent. It usually lasts a few seconds then they part ways. Just keep an eye on them. Give them plenty of hiding /cool down spots. If worse comes worse, separation or rehoming may be needed.

 

[Zimmanski]

It is normal, my rams and angels both do it. It's a way for them to test if a the other is a strong and healthy choice for a mate. As long as there is not real damage to one fish I wouldn't worry about it and enjoy seeing an act of nature. It can sometimes be a little brutal to watch, as humans we would never think to wrestle our prospective mates, but fish are not humans. Though I think bars would be more fun if we did act like them haha