Salvini and FM teaming up against JD/Could they be a pair?

[jumpin joe fish]

I have a 4' long 90G containing 8" Oscar, 8" Pleco, a female Salvini 4-5" a male firemouth about 4-5" and a male Jack Dempsey about 4-5". The tank has a lot of cobblestone rock piles for caves and driftwood. The salvini and JD have been fighting a little bit but nothing serious. Now when the JD and Sal are fighting the FM tries to help out the Sal. I know the FM is male and the sal is female. Could they be a pair? I do not see them digging any pits or anything but they seem to hang out a bit. Could they FM just be trying to make an ally in the tank for its own survival?

 

[CrystalizedHairs]

It is definitely possible for them to pair up and breed. Six or seven years ago, I had a female salvini pair up with a male dovii. They did successfully breed and hatch young, but they[fry] were promptly eaten when they became free swimming.

 

[ewurm]

I had a pair of Nicaraguense vs. my Hartwegi and Texas. The latter turned out to be a pair too. If they are defending territory together, I would say it is definitely possible.