Problem With Bolivan Ram

[Catfish Jack]

about a month ago i bought 2 bolivain rams, the lfs said one was a male and one was female. well, within the first night the "female" died. the other was perfectly fine and at home. a week ago i went back and got a new "female". Upon bringing it home. they look alomst identical, except the but the older one being larger. but the larger one is always chasing the smaller new one, and the new one stays hid behind a pile of rock in some vegetation. he seems stressed and im not sure what to do.

how do i tell the sexes apart, and if i could, would introducing 2 females help make the smaller one less stressed?
right now my tank inhabitants are..
7 harlies
5 assor. cories
2 honey gouramis
6 khulis
2 black phantoms

 

[england]

iam guessing they are juvis which are difficult to sex....fins more elongated are usually male....more colouration and the size....but the only true way is when the breeding tube appears near to the anus area....males is long and thin...females is short fat and stumpy........maybe you could either get another 2.....then see who gets on and take the others back....or just take the one you like the least out and take it back to shop and change for something different....cichlids are fine on there own

 

[Catfish Jack]

im really not sure if the lfs would take them back. i know for sure i wouldnt get a refund for them, because this lfs doesnt even warranty any fish over $10 (the rams were $12.99). plus its a one hour drive to get there, so its not so cheap running over there.

to be honest i really dont like giving them buisness, but i really dont have a choice. its them or walmart... the lesser of two evils.

 

[Catfish Jack]

anyone else have any ideas what to do?

 

[Zeoth]

(the rams were $12.99).

Dude, you should seriously shop somewhere else. I mean $13.00 for Rams? you gotta be kiddin me! The LFS near me Has Bolivian Rams for $4.00 each , ad they have a refund policy. Look around, are there any other LFS close by. If Walmart or your LFS is the only choice then I say give em to the LFS. You might not get a refund but- hey- at least the fish are in proper civil condition.