Bolivian Ram Sexing

[KayZ]

I have 2 Bolivian Rams at the moment, and I have no idea what sex they are, but since adding the second one, my original Ram has coloured up heaps and is now really dark.
The new ram however is pale white, both flare a bit at each other, but they aren't really fussed about being in the same tank, and are even staying close to each other.

So what do the colours mean, and is it more likely that I have 2 boys or 2 girls or one of each?

If photos would help I can get some but it'll have to wait til I'm finished work

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Another member shared this guide to sexing them with me, hope it helps

Sexing Guide - Bolivian Rams

 

[KayZ]

Thanks AA, it helps but only slightly, both of my rams show bits of both sex's traits, the light one has a larger vent and is barely coloured but has longer tail spines and is scared of everything, the other has turned really dark and got some red on it's fins now, but has a tiny vent and shorter tail, and neither of them have noticably long 3rd or 4th dorsal spikes. Do Bolivian's stomaches colour up like the gbr's?

I'll charge my camera this after noon and try to get some photos so I can show you what I mean.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Close up profile pictures are very helpful, if you can get them.

 

[KayZ]

The lightest one is terrified of movement, I got a couple of good shots yesterday and then my camera died
They're such polar opposites, the dark one isn't scared of anything, but hangs at the back or in one corner, and the light one scatters as soon as it sees something move but is always at the front of the tank, they don't seem to mind each other, there was a bit of flaring and pushing at the start but they pretty much ignore each other now.

Eck!! Looks like they weren't so happy after all The dark one (my first) is looking really lethargic and listless, looks like they are both male and the new guy was stressing him out. I've taken the sad boy out and put him in with my guppies. Hopefully he'll pick up a bit

 

[KayZ]

Well he's gone :'( Found him on his side at the bottom of the tank
New guy on the other hand is mostly white and cream with barely any stripes, spots or colour at all and is happily swimming around the tank. Stil not sure why my first guy died

 

[Gvilleguy]

Oh no! Very sorry that you lost the Ram! I hope that your remaining one will be okay. How big is your tank, Kay?

 

[KayZ]

It's 2'x1'x1' Only 55 ish litres, but well planted, I was hoping to get a male and female but my lfs doesn't discriminate when they're packing and its basically a lucky dip.
The rest of the tankmates are fine and the new guy seems happy enough. The one that died I never really saw eating though, and his tummy never looked full even before I got the new one, so maybe he would have gone either way? I feel so bad for him though

 

[fishprotector]

55l is really too small for Bolivian Rams. The second one almost certainly died of stress. Sorry for your loss though

 

[Gvilleguy]

I agree on that tank size being too small for two - I have 98L and had two Rams in it and they did okay for over a year.

 

[KayZ]

Yeah I figured that's what it was, thank you for your condolences, I won't be buying a replacement, the fishies I have left are doing fine and I don't want to risk another death.