Tiger barbs help!!

[em_witt]

I have 6 tiger barbs in a 75 w/ sa cichlids they're really small like 1-2 inches and I just saw 2 of the barbs "fighting" they were sort of like biting each others tails like dogs chasing their tails, and now they r doing an almost locking lips kind of thing!! What r they doing!!!!!

 

[em_witt]

Heres some pics...

 

[Talvari]

Those are probably two males fighting for dominance. Its not really a big deal and is a normal part of their behavior. It is uncommon for serious injuries to occur from this kind of showing off... They will figure out whos boss eventually.

 

[em_witt]

Thanks for the help I thought it was something more serious!!

 

[Talvari]

Nope, just normal. When I had my group of six, I had four females and two males... You could tell after awhile who was the most dominant fish. He was out the most, hung out with the ladies the most, and had the best color. Glad I could help!

 

[em_witt]

How can you tell the males and females apart?

 

[Talvari]

The males typically have more red on them, particularly their nose. The females are also MUCH rounder than the males.

 

[em_witt]

Thanks, looks like I have 2 male and 4 female!

 

[jcolon]

Nice pics of your TB's going at it! As was mentioned, perfectly normal. Don't be surprised if they go at it again a few more times... It's how they go about establishing their hierarchy.

 

[em_witt]

Thx for the info!!! Really appreciate it

 

[em_witt]

Also, how can I get them to breed???and will they in a 75 gal with SA cichlids??

 

[em_witt]

Does it mean that they r breeding when a male and a female r "dancing"???

 

[Womble1234]

What cichlids are they

 

[em_witt]

The barbs...

 

[Womble1234]

Barbs are not cichlids.. What are your SA cichlids

 

[em_witt]

Meant the tiger barbs, I have 3 convicts, 3 firemouth, and soon 1 jack Dempsey! The cons and fms r like 1/2-1 inch...and I have a hi-fin spotted pleco! All in a 75gal tank

 

[em_witt]

And the 6 tiger barbs!!!

 

[DragonFish71]

I've had my tigers spawn in my 120 with cichlids and other fish (JDs, firemouths, syno catfish, pictus catfish, giant danios.) Nothing survived, but they would spawn.

If you want spawning and fry survival, get them a new tank.

 

[em_witt]

I want spawning... Not fry survival! Kind of as free food!!

 

[DragonFish71]

Then leave them where they are and let nature take it's course.