Bullying Bolivian Ram - Updated With Pics Of Both

[ZoddyZod]

The smaller one looks female to me, but it is early days. I'd try and fatten the smaller one up a little if you can

As I said, about six months in the tank already and I've seen her eating almost every time food goes in. I dont think 'she' has grown at all.

 

[kaivalagi]

The smaller one looks female to me, but it is early days. I'd try and fatten the smaller one up a little if you can

As I said, about six months in the tank already and I've seen her eating almost every time food goes in. I dont think 'she' has grown at all.

Must be a runt or being stressed out too much at a guess

 

[Curiosity101]

I'd actually say the top one is a late developing male and that the bottom one is female.

 

[kaivalagi]

Good call, it would explain the size difference and the behaviour

 

[ZoddyZod]

Good call, it would explain the size difference and the behaviour

I didnt think there was a great size difference between males and females, otherwise they would be far easier to sex, surely?

 

[Curiosity101]

Only when fully grown. And it's more growth rate rather than growth size for the first few months. Must be to do with breeding of course but basically my theory is that males need to grow as fast as possible so they can compete for territories. But females just need to get to a breeding age/size... they don't need to particularly rush to it. (I'm speaking genetically obviously, not trying to imply the fish have a choice lol).

But yeah, having looked at the pictures I'd put money on the first one being male and the bottom one being female. I can annotate pics to explain why if you'd like?
It would also explain the behaviour. He'll be hassling her to breed and she'll not be interested cause she's still too small.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I can annotate pics to explain why if you'd like?

yes please, annotate away!

 

[Curiosity101]

Bear in mind these are only my opinions, and the one I think is female could in theory still develop into a male and has just been subdued because there is a dominant male around. But I would put money on it being a female.

Male

Female

 

[ZoddyZod]

very very clear, thanks very much indeed.

You comment that the male isn't quite fully grown. What's the normal timespan for Rams to reach adult size? I've tried Googling that question but cant seem to find a satisfactory answer.

 

[Curiosity101]

My boy took around 8 months to start growing his rays. Looks like yours has just started. But at the end of the day it depends how old/big they were when you got them and what they've eaten. I reckon it varies a bit.