[2] The specific order of displays follows a consistent pattern:[3] Sequential assessment game models show that an individual's decision to give up will be based on its fighting ability.

As fights escalate, the risk to the opponents increases, as later phases in the display process involve more dangerous behavioral elements.

The fish cooperate in behaviors such as tail beating and mouth wrestling in order to properly assess the relative fighting ability of opponents.

[5] Visual assessment of ability also plays a role during male cichlid fights, although precision is quite low.

In the presence of a predator, opponents may prefer to engage in low-intensity behaviors, such as lateral display and tail beating, even after the fight has escalated.