Trying to figure these 2 out

[the big kahuna]

Have a 300 gallon my friends call "Alcatraz" with fish with the reputation for being aggressive "killers" been almost a year with them together and not one fatality. Keep them fed and all seems well. Recently the Dovii and Jaquar started lip locking and at times it's constant with splashing water. I'm trying to figure out if its a mating ritual or fighting. They're cool with all the other fish but when they cross paths it's a problem. Pardon the dirty glass.

 

[justintheodd]

I am no expert but it could very well be that either the dovii or the jag are getting to the size where they are starting to become more agressive to members of their own species. and it is very much a possibility that the dovii recognizes the jag as a competing dovii or vice versa, and when it comes to cichllids, especially parachromis, that ussually never ends well.

 

[jjohnwm]

I think that your tank size is right in that mysterious Goldilocks/apocalyse zone where some normally-aggressive cichlids, and other fish, can...sometimes...manage to get along as they mature (Goldilocks). Other times, the apocalypse side wins out. Much smaller tank: no chance. Much larger tank: good chance of success.

Having said that, I think that in this case you are about to lose the lottery, big time. Once this starts, it usually doesn't stop.

And I notice a buttikoferi lurking in there as well; frankly, I think your problems haven't even started yet...

 

[duanes]

both Parachromis look like males to me.

 

[Cecropia]

Two big male guaps hitting that developmental stage where they're going to go all Highlander on you. Once the Wolf gets enough size, the jag's gone and the dovii will likely turn it's eye to everything else in the tank.