Golden Ram query

[skipper]

Hi everyone

I have a Juwel 180 planted tank and added a pair of golden rams (small) to the tank a few weeks back.

Anyway, I lost the male after a few days - and expected to lose the female, but she's actually doing real well. So my queries are:

1) Would there be any problem introducing another male?? Is it likely to cause any territorial agression??

2) If I can't get a golden ram (the lfs rarely seems to have them), would getting another sort of ram be okay?? Any suggestions...

3) I assume the ram I have is female - pinkish tinge on belly, a bit duller in colour than the male was. How can I be sure that I get a male ram next time if I buy a small one. I find it hard to see if the third fin spine is longer and wondered if there were any other giveaway signs.

Thanks a lot for any advice

S

 

[parker313]

1) I did not have a problem introducing a male a week after the female. She is being very flirty with him and they hang out together just fine.

2) A blue ram would be OK too, b/c the gold and blue rams are the same things, just different color varieties of the same species. I don't know about adding a Bolivian though.

3) The end of the dorsal fin of the female I have is rounded, while the end of the male is much pointier. Plus, in comparing them, the pelvic fins are much bigger on the male and there is NO pink on him at all.

 

[ramesses]

The only other thing I would say is......When buying the male,whether another golden or a blue,talk to one of the people at your LFS,hopefully they can help you out,especially if buying a young one.

 

[skipper]

Thanks for all the advice... am hoping to go get a male at the weekend to replace the one I lost. Have also made somw improvements to my tank in the meantime... more plants and hiding places etc... fingers crossed!

S

 

[parker313]

Good luck with them!!!