fish_newbie

Hi, I just added 2 new angels to my 75 gallon tank with 3 new angel already there. The problem is with the newcomers. It has been all good for 5 days now. I've seen no aggression whatsoever. They go for food like crazy and doesn't attack any other fish in the tank. Just today, I've notice that the new ones chase each other madly, they even kiss each other and hold it for a few seconds. They only does it to each other and not any other one of my fish. And they only seems to be "kissing" whenever I'm looking in the tank (I've peek a few time and they swim together normally). What could be the problem here and how do I fix it?

capekate

First, congrats on your new Angelfish!
The 'kissing' can be one of two things, but both being aggressive behavior.The reasons for the behavior may be different tho. One can be that they are both males and are fighting, (lip locking) in a battle for dominance. OR they are male and female lip locking as the female wants to see if the male is a strong one and worthy of pairing with.
Since it is just these two that are doing that, and the lip locking is not extended to the other Angel fish, it may very well be a pairing off ritual.But then again, its very hard to be able to say for sure at this point.
How old are the Angels in question? Do you have any photos that may help us to determine the gender for you?

fish_newbie

The angels are about 2 inch in diameter (body only, doesn't include dorsal fins and tails). I am unable to take a picture right now but pictures will be up tomorrow. I don't know the age of the fish (I know, my LFS sucks) but they're the healthiest and most "wild" when food comes in the tank. They don't lip-lock often though, they would chase each other around more.

capekate

At two inches they are not ready to pair off, so it may very well just be the youngsters are trying to determine the hierarchy of the group status...
Also this young it is very hard to determine gender as well, as time goes on and they start to mature you will start to see a difference in their 'fore heads' whereas the male has more of a hump and the female, more streamlined.
Post photos when you can... they are so much fun to keep in a tank, best of luck with them.

fish_newbie

If they continue to liplock and chase each other around, do they do anyharm to themselves? Do I have to sepparate them? Do their mouth get ripped from liplocking? Thanks. Oh and the pictures are coming.

capekate

They can hurt themselves.. Ive had fish that had blisters around their mouth.. In that case, it may be a good idea to separate them, you would also have to be dealing with the stress the fighting and aggression is causing which can lead to secondary problems as well.
If you see any physical injuries on either of your angelfish, then I would do something about separating them, it cant be good for them to continually be fighting.
Best of luck...