potential pair actions

[brady]

I have a potential pair of rt"s. They are 3 years old and have previously shown signs
of breeding but lately they are exhibiting an odd behavior. They are constantly
facing off and ,for want of a better description, butting heads. They will go back and forth
doing this until one backs off and retreats to the other end of the tank.
Any ideas on whats is going on, what i should do?
Thanks
Jay

[coralbandit]

I would say two males but others may know better .

[RogueDiscus]

What are the other discus in the tank?

[brady]

What are the other discus in the tank?

None. They are in a 40 by them selves.
Although, I was thinking of adding a female rt too the tank
tonight just to stir things up. Yes? no?
Jay

[coralbandit]

Do you want to have a pair ?
I am curious how people know what sex their discus are without seeing them breed ?

[RogueDiscus]

I've mostly had success by letting fish pair up on their own in a community tank (discus) sometimes waiting for them to confirm, without expecting to save the fry. Then move the proven pair. I like the idea that the social interaction promotes the pairing/spawning behavior.

Fish psychology here, but without others, I'm thinking there's not a good reason for two males to fight. This could be a pair that's figuring out whose in charge, waiting for the female to submit. They would do the bowing while passing dance.

It's hard to deny that most of the animal world requires submission by the female, along with aggression by the male. We're still trying to rise above that.

[brady]

HI Steve
Thanks for the info. Will see what happens.
Jay

[peewee1]

The bickering between male and female does happen. I have a pair that battled like for the first 6 month then paired up afterward.