[Trademark27]

I recently stocked a 75g tank with 6 yellows lab, 6 labeotropheus ochres and 16 demasoni. The demasoni are a bit bigger than the other species and have left them alone. However they have definitely been competing amongst themselves. I attached pictures of a male, is this evidence of him losing a couple battles or a fungal infection? Most of the dominant males have pale lips, but two look like this and they are probably #3 and #5 on the dominance list. In person it looks like their skin has gotten torn but I wanted some second opinions.

 

[Old Newbie]

Looks like wounds from lip locking to me; make sure your water is clean to avoid fungal growth. Either he will stop fighting and they will heal,or, continue to fight and have possible issues in the future.

 

[DJRansome]

Shoot for 3 males in a 75G and the fish will let you know if that works for them. Definitely lip locking.

 

[Trademark27]

Thanks guys, I'll keep an eye out. The whiteness on everyone is decreasing so maybe the initial scrap for zones was the cause. I haven't seen anything besides minor chasing.