Question on breeding behavior.

[CichofitAll]

I have a male red texas and a female salvini that are lip locking and doing the vibraty fin shake dance. I know the vibrating/twitching is normal pre mate behavior, but is the lip locking also part of the ritual?

 

[Pomatomus]

I did not see any lip-locking when my salvini pair was breeding. Only after they broke up.

 

[LSTI]

it's common for young fish but also common in older fish, they are basically decided if they are strong enough to defend their fry against other fish. I they start causing too much damage it might be best to separate them for awhile and try again later.

 

[FIN01]

Sounds pretty normal, but keep a good eye on what is going on in case they need to be separated. Most red texas males are sterile. If you already know he's not then get hunting for a female red texas.

 

[CichofitAll]

Sounds pretty normal, but keep a good eye on what is going on in case they need to be separated. Most red texas males are sterile. If you already know he's not then get hunting for a female red texas.

I didnt know that about the male red texas. I have been watching them closely so they don't do too much damage. I will let them try a couple times to spawn and if there is no viable eggs then I guess I will know he's shooting blanks. Thanks for the replies all, I will keep you posted on the progress.