Bolivian Ram Cichlids

[TribeOfShroom]

For those who keep bolivian Rams, as we all know they have a discintive black line that runs vertically down each side of their faces through their eyes. Now I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this, but when my two males fight the bottom half of that line turns a metallic green/blue colour. This happens whenever they size each other up as well as when they lock mouths.

A bit of a stupid question, but do all male bolivian rams have this colour changing bar? if so, does it work on the same principle as stress bars in discus?

 

[RadaR]

Probably wont be stress bars. Im sure it's them trying to show off their best colours and intimidate one another. No doubt that their fins are standing up too.

 

[TribeOfShroom]

Indeed. They flare their gill covers as well.. although not to the extent of a betta lol