tiger barbs jaw locking wrestling ball???

[abomb]

so three of my tiger barbs like to wrestle around almost what looks to be locking jaws. THey flip over eachothe rin a what i call a wrestling ball. IS this just playfull behavior? what could you make of this?

adam

 

[Lil'Fishy]

Our Loaches do the same thing. They get crazy and go at it for a while. Dont know about the barbs, but the loaches get pretty stressed out and loose their color. I think it's more aggression, than playing.

 

[Frank_the_Tank]

yeah sounds like some territorial disputes and aggression. I know that "kissing" gouramis "kiss" as aggression towards each other.

 

[FancyGuppyGuy]

Tiger barbs do it all the time. I have had some for over 3 years and the males have these little spin duels to see whos the main barb in the tank. its actually kinda neat

 

[frog girl]

I'be seen the spin duels but the lip lock thing is new to me. Not too suprised though they are tough little buggers.

 

[FishLover14]

Yes htye do that as agression some cichlid speciesdo the same thing.

And yep tiger barbs are tough

 

[TheManichaean]

My long finned barbs do something similar--
their color deepens to crimson and they begin to chase each other around in circles. Thankfully, they've never hurt each other.