Why are my cichlids and angelfish lip-locking or mouth wrestling?

This "lip wrestling" can indicate aggression if you have two males or if you have a male and female, it may be breeding behavior. You'll need to watch them to differentiate between the behaviors. Males may need to be separated or placed in a larger tank. A female parrotfish will lay eggs on a hard surface in the tank and the pair will take turns caring for the eggs.

Cichlids in general are quite aggressive. If you have two males, this may compound the aggression. Tou can add some more plants and cover to provide hiding spots. If that doesn't work, a larger tank may be indicated. If a larger tank doesn't work, you may need to keep the aggressor separate.

Remove them or provide more cover (plants and hides) for the other fish to hide or escape. When fish hang near the top, it is usually due to low oxygen levels, low water temperature or improper water chemistry. It could be related to the different filter or the water change. Confirm proper water temp and use a test kit to check water chemistry. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm (parts per million) and nitrates should be 40 ppm or less. Monitor chemistry closely until you know how the new filter operates. Make sure it is rated for the size tank you have to ensure adequate filtration. Correct imbalances using chemical treatment and additional partial water changes using aged/conditioned water.

Yes! This is good behavior. They are bonding. When birds become good friends, they will tap their beaks together in a kind of ‘budgie kiss’, and will preen each other’s face and head. There is nothing to worry about here. Best wishes.

The black fish is a Black Moor Goldfish. The white fish is a kissing gourami. It is commonly called a "kissing fish". This species of Gourami can be very territorial. What it is doing is bullying the Moor and trying to chase it away. You may need to remove one or the other. Gouramis are best kept in pairs or small groups. Consider also removing some of the plastic plants as they may injure the Moor's eyes.

Cichlids can become aggressive when breeding, so if you have more than one male in your tank the spot in question may be an injury. As long as the aggressive behavior stops, the fish should heal. Minor infection can usually be managed by maintaining water quality and water parameters. Test the water to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. Partial water changes can be done if levels are above 0.25ppm (parts per million). A bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic to improve gill function, treat minor infection, reduce stress and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days adding just enough salt to replace the water being changed. If the condition spreads, separate the fish out to a hospital tank and use a broad spectrum antibiotic. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated.

Yes they could possibly hatch. Cichlids are known to cross breed. However, they need to be fertilised. Best watch which one of the cichlids is guarding the eggs and fanning them. After a few days you should see little black dots in the eggs, which is a sign that they are developing.