Clown loaches pairing up?

[j_randall1702]

I have 2 clown loaches that have all of a sudden started rubbing and nipping at each other. They had recently dissappeared in the tank for 2 days. They have always hung around each other. Could they be getting ready to breed? If so what could I do to help it along?

 

[Toirtis]

Its highly unlikely....clowns do no spawn until they are in the 8" range at least, and I am unaware of any spawning occurances in home aquaria being recorded. Likely they are getting a bit territorial with each other.

 

[j_randall1702]

Thanx for the reply, I just aint never seen them act this way. It is constant, they dont stop, previously they were doing fine they never left the others side.

 

[e burna]

That's really queer. Wonder if one's going to try and kill the other?

 

[j_randall1702]

I have been watching it dont really seem like aggression. They have claimed and area in the back of my tank now. Constantly running my pictus away. But my courious oscar usaully runs them out.