A traditional african dance off: who's the prettiest fish?

[bettaMagenta]

I caught a fascinating sight this morning - my male interruptus and male yellow tail going head to head in a "dance off" for the ladies. No signs of aggression yet, just an intense dance battle between the two. They're quite different, but they're flashing each other, with the less mature yellow tail seeming to initiate the display. I've taken some close-up shots of the yellow tail, and it's clear he's maturing quickly - his colors are really popping lately. Every time the male interruptus chases a female, the yellow tail jumps in on the action. I'm hoping it stays a peaceful dance-off, as both fish are looking great and I'd hate to see them get damaged.

[bettaMagenta]

Those guys are a whirlwind, I swear, I'm having a tough time snapping pics with all that activity going on.

[bettaMagenta]

This tank was initially stocked with juveniles, and I'm starting to think that I might need to reduce the population as they mature and interactions between species increase, especially if I want to avoid any aggressive behavior.

[bettaMagenta]

I'm thinking maybe one of the female interuptus sent out a signal that she's ready, and that's what got the yellow tail all riled up. Now the yellow tail is positioning himself between the male interuptus and his females, seems like he's trying to cut in on the action.

[coltin]

For capturing those quick movements, I've found that video can be a better option - it's a lot easier to get some good footage when they're being super active like this. Alternatively, you could try using a digital SLR camera with a fast shutter speed, like 1/200, and the flash on - this might help freeze the action a bit better.

[bettaMagenta]

captured a brief moment, essentially a freeze frame - yellow tail's filaments are really flowing in the current, gives a sense of the dynamic movement going on in the tank.

[bettaMagenta]

They're at it again today... I'm watching closely, and it seems the interuptus male has his sights set on a particular female - she must be giving him some kind of signal that she's ready. As soon as he starts courting her, the yellow tail male jumps in, trying to cut in. There are two interuptus females and three yellow tail females in the tank, so it's clear my male yellow tail has matured faster than his girls. The challenges between the males can get pretty aggressive at times, but so far, no damage to either male's filaments. I have to admit, I didn't expect to see such physical challenges between males of different species...

[bettaMagenta]

It seems the Male Phenacogrammus Aurantiacus is feeling a bit overwhelmed by the commotion, and has wisely decided to take a step back, finding solace in a quieter corner of the tank, away from the drama unfolding center stage.

[bettaMagenta]

A small, young male red Alestopetersius brichardi, still developing, seems to be in agreement with the Male Phenacogrammus Aurantiacus, finding some solace in the seclusion behind the plant, away from the commotion of the dominant males.

[bettaMagenta]

Another one of the bigger Alestopetersius brichardi, who should be blue and red when he's fully colored up, is also keeping to himself, seems he's not interested in the drama going on center stage.