Strange Dennison barb behaviour

[Crosbytanks]

We have 3 Dennison Barbs in our tank. Today, two if them were swirling around each other in what seemed to be synchronized movements. Their red and black stripe also faded and fins were a vibrant red. They were very silvery and dancing around like this for several minutes. Afterwards, their colour returned to normal and behaviour as usual. Any idea what this could have been? Some kind of mating ritual? We do not know the genders of them. Any insight would be great.

Attached a photo. The one barb here has returned to regular colour and the one behind is how they both looked during this act.

 

[Autumnsky]

Do you know the water parameters of the tank?

The behavior sounds a lot like possible mating behavior.

Pale color, I do not know.

 

[Crosbytanks]

The nitrites were just slightly elevated a few weeks ago. It's kind of a newer tank. We did a 30% water change and a few days later it was zero.

We thought maybe mating behaviour but we read that it is super rare for them to breed in tanks...even if they did though we are certain that the fry would be eaten unless we separated them. It is a community tank.

Thank you for your insight ��

 

[Autumnsky]

My Siamese Algae Eaters will sometimes do similar sounding movements. Never see babies as there too many mouths which would eat them if there were any.