Bolivian Ram Cichlid

[squish fish]

Going to be setting up a 20g tank and was wondering if these would go in here. How many could I have and will have no other fish in the tank.. I am also looking for a paired fish, male and female.
I read breeders don't like giving up their pairs.
With all my tanks and with very good success, I overstock them. Plus if I get a few, in case of any losses.

 

[AJ356]

It might help if you give the dimensions of the tank, as for Bolivian Rams they generally inhabit the lower levels, so the foot print can be important. I think a 20 gallon for multiple adults would rely on you getting lucky in terms of their personalities and tolerating one another. Is your aim to establish a pair and then rehome the others? I can't see multiple adults working in a tank that is less than 36 inches long. Others might think different to me.

 

[Back in the fold]

A twenty is perfect for them . You will have to get about six and wait for a pair to form up and then do something with the rest . I did Rams in a fifteen once and it worked great .

 

[squish fish]

I was thinking of 4. I have another 20 I could set up if they pair off.

 

[GaryE]

I'll disagree on a 20. For the usual Venezuelan/Colombian Mikrogeophagus ramirezi Ram, a 20 is fine. But Mikrogeophagus altispinosum, the Bolivian cousin, is a larger fish that does better with more space. If you had a 20 long with a 30 inch base and could guarantee getting a pair, you'd be fine. But beware - in stores these are usually very young, and while they are mild mannered fish, they will be double the size and then some of the Ram.
If you're going to be able to enjoy their activity, then a 36 inch tank is needed. You can keep them alive in a 20, but to what end? There, you may as well keep just one.