Confused About Rams..

[TheRedDarren]

Hey guys,
can someone give me a run down on the different types of Rams available, and tell me how they are best suited to the aquarium.
There is mention of German, Bolivian, Blue etc... I've also heard that some are hardier, some are prettier and some are better for breeding projects... But I can't seem to get my head round it by reading so many different posts etc.
Thanks
d.

 

[StandbySetting]

There are two species, Bolivian and Blue, or to give them their proper names Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (Blue) and Mikrogeophagus altispinosus (Bolivian).

There are three strains of M.ramirezi: Blue, Gold and Electric Blue and one strain of M.altispinosus.
Gold and Electric Blue Rams are xanthic, non-natural strains.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Bolivians are hardier aswell and do not require the higher temps that blues do

 

[laura120381]

bolivians are relatively easy to breed but can get aggressive around breeding time! they are quite hardy once acclimatised but do need quite a bit of space. they can be pretty fiesty so are better suited to a tank where the tankmates also have attitude!! (eg they will hold their own agains barbs but would totally stress discus!!) personally i love them!! they are full of energy and character and easy to keep so long as you have sufficient space for them. great to watch and very pretty!!

hope that helps a wee bit...

L

 

[TheRedDarren]

So you can't keep Bolivians in a discus setup?

 

[ZoddyZod]

So you can't keep Bolivians in a discus setup?

the problem would be the temp. Discus should be in 30c water and Bolivians wont tolerate that for too long.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

But you could keep blue rams...

 

[saz326]

bolivians are relatively easy to breed but can get aggressive around breeding time! they are quite hardy once acclimatised but do need quite a bit of space. they can be pretty fiesty so are better suited to a tank where the tankmates also have attitude!! (eg they will hold their own agains barbs but would totally stress discus!!) personally i love them!! they are full of energy and character and easy to keep so long as you have sufficient space for them. great to watch and very pretty!!

hope that helps a wee bit...

L

seconded on the attitude. My larger male rules the tank - well - he pretends he does until a larger fish (male keyhole) comes up and reminds him who is the true king.

love these fish. great community fish.