williamsi attacking their reflections? (OR, stress is good?)

[AWW]

Both my male and female L. williamsi seem to act aggressively towards what I can only guess is their own reflections. In the afternoon the light hits their tank so that the glass farthest from the window turns into a very good mirror. I often see both of them racing all over that wall of their viv, heads bent towards the glass, often licking. When they come across each other they lick each other rapidly and then go back to looking at/through the glass, so they seem to be at peace with each other during these periods.

Has any one else seen this behavior?

If they do think they're defending their territory, I wonder if this is causing them too much stress, or maybe just stimulating them to what would be 'normal' in the wild, in which case it might be the perfect form of enrichment, as they call it in zoos. Thoughts?

 

[The_Greg]

my williamsi trio will sometimes go near each other and lick/throat inflate/head bob. This isnt too common, and the male always initiates it, and then they separate. I've got one clutch of eggs with a second suspected on the way, so i must be doing something right.

I'm not sure i would like them seeing their reflection too much.

 

[Airedale]

Mine will just do that when they are walking along bamboo or leaves, or the walls, which don't reflect much. I always think it is just them testing if they can eat something or not.
IDK for sure, but that was my theory.

 

[WARMACHINE]

You know main are doing the same thing, they play with their reflection and I would think a quick fix to this would be put a backing and sides. Quark bark works great however doing this would be a task if you have to take them out, so I would recommend maybe just some paper background I've read by doing this you make them feel more secure and more likely to bring out their natural behavior.

Hope this helps.