Lip locking juvenile RH Tapajos

[Dave62]

I’ve recently noticed two of my juvenile RH Tapajos standing off against each other. The stand offs seem to only last several minutes and both don’t seem any worse for the wear, yet. One of them is the bigger more dominant of the four. Should I be concerned?
BTW, there are 4 juveniles between 2 - 2.5 inches in a 110 gallon, no other big fish in with them, just tetras. Lots of hiding places. I imagine this goes on with more mature males est dominance, but really, does it start this early?

 

[twentyleagues]

You tell them they are to young to be kissing like that no matter what their preference is!

I'm sure its fine young cichlids of many types do far worse to each other. There is always a pecking order.

 

[we4wieners]

Gonna follow this. My growout tank of (5) 1-1.5" Taps are relentless, really only one bully, but it incites 'em all. Tons of plants and shelters. Fed pretty often with a good variety. They're new to the tank, so I am sure they are establishing their pecking order.