Dwarf Loach Mating Behavior?

[chichian]

I was wondering if anyone knew what the mating behavior of dwarf loaches (Botia Sidthimunki) was. I currently still have only two (will hopefully get 3 more soon), and I have no idea what the sexes are, but today noticed some weird behavior. I don't know if they're mating or just being weird.

One loach is a little bigger. The bigger one kept bugging the little one--it didn't seem aggressive--like it was trying to eat or kiss the smaller loach all up and down it's body especially around the tail. The smaller one would try to get away at first and then submit, laying on it's side, letting the bigger one do this kissing or whatever to it. I don't know if that's considered aggressive behavior or "hey, I like you; let's make some eggs" behavior.

Any experience/knowledge much appreciated. I've searched online and can't find any specifics to breeding behavior. If it's aggression, I need to try to correct the problem soon.

Thanks.

 

[Lotus]

It sounds more like them establishing dominance than mating behaviour. Things should calm down a little if you add more to the group, although they will have to go through a dominance thing again. Most botia loaches do similar things when the group is being established, and occasionally afterwards if one of them doesn't like the status quo.

 

[chichian]

Ah thanks. I didn't know if they were being aggressive or trying to get busy. Hopefully this weekend I can pick up the new loaches, but it would still be a while until the they are introduced to the tank (I finally got my quarantine set up done ).