When firemouths attack

[Jaybird]

I have three firemouths in my tank, and for the most part they are a pretty peaceful fish, but they do tend to fish a bit amongst themselves. Out of the three, one never seems to fight, but the other two are amazing to watch.

They start side by side with one's head by the other's tail, flare their gills and fan their tails and then twist and turn in circles. They never actually bite one another. It's like a little dance

The third just sits on the sidelines and swims around ignoring everyone. Odd.

Any idea why only two out of the three seem to have the need to "Throw Down" once in a while? I feel like I have my own little Royce Gracie vs. Matt Hughes event going on.

 

[Zagz]

I would guess the 2 that get aggressive are both males and are being territorial or showing off for a female.

 

[Jaybird]

That's what I am hoping, but I am not sure if the other one is a female. It never boxes with the others.

And none of them have seemed to take a part of the tank as their own territory. Odd. I do hope you are right and they are showing off for a female.

*edit*

The first picture is of the one that doesn't fight. The second is a picture of one of the firemouths that are fighting (they both look identical).

 

[ksfishguy]

I know this is an old post, but I was wondering if you figured out the sex of your FMs? If so, how did you tell them apart?
Thanks!

 

[SHIFT_Unique]

im thinking the male have the black dots on their gills?