Are my skunk loaches mating?

(question above). One of them has been 'hiding' in a minI clay pot that has a hole just big enough for the loach to fit into and it has been hiding there since 6:00pm and it is now 10:15pm(both times are central), it only comes out to find a little bit of food unless it sees the other loach go near the pot and then it zooms back to protect it. Is, from what I described, any chance that they mated and the one loach is defending the eggs or is it just being territorial and protecting it's sleeping quarters? If I missed any neede info, just let me know. please help me, I don't want to wake up one morning and find little wigglers on the gravel.
Tom

 

No their not mating, he's just claimed the pot as his. They need lots of hiding places and will protect their own.
Carol

 

So, even though it has satyed in the pot all day and has guarded it, it still means that it is just being protective?
Tom

 

Yep. What little is known about the breeding of loaches is that they lay eggs in plants.
Carol

 

Thanks.
Tom

 

welcome
Carol