Green Chromis lip/jaw locking

[MMM33732]

ive read mixed things about this. some say its a sign of male/female courting and mating, others say its fighting. so what does it actually mean when 2 green chromises jaw lock? both are large (1.5-2") theres a 3rd chromis in the tank, but its much smaller (1") and it doesn't get involved in the jaw locks like the two large ones do.

[masonicman]

I've read it to be territorial agression between the adult chromis. The juveniles do not do this

[gliebig]

I have (1) chromis in my tank and occasionally his jaw gets locked open for a few minutes.

[Cheekmonkey]

No they tend to do it towards eachother mouth to mouth like

Fish1< >Fish2

Our porkfish in the Living Seas tend to do that all the time as well.

[ssavader]

If this behavior is anything like that seen in (fresh water) Cichlids, lip locking is a form of agression. Keep a very close eye on the soft tissues around the mouth and for frayed scales. If you see this, you may have to seperate the aggressor. If no damage is occurring, they will most likely be all right. I read in another thread that Chromis can be quite aggressive towards each other and eliminate one another until a stable harem is formed. Also sounds very similar to that which can occur in Tropheus cichlids until a clearly defined alpha adult male is in charge.