My two BG do similar stuff to one another, often flaring their gills, all their fins standing out full, and they race towards each other like they're playing chicken. It does sound like a territorial or dominance display, but I'm an absolute amateur - actually I'm even lower than that - when it comes to fish behavioral issues! It's cool to watch, though, and try to figure out what's going on.

Aside, welcome to Pond Boss, Rtifs. You've found what I have quickly learned to be the ultimate fish/pond/pretty much everything else forum on the Internet. Just don't talk poorly about Green Sunfish here or a certain contingent will send out hit squads! And post some pics of your tank and, if you've got one (or more), your pond.

Todd La Neve

[Linked Image from i108.photobucket.com]
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1.5 & .5 ac ponds - LMB, BG, RES, YP, GC, HSB