Sexing Bolivian Rams

[mbsqw1d]

Had some help from others on here. I've been told they're too young to do any spawning at the moment. I have a better video of them here

http/s142.photobucket.com/albums/r81/mbs...=ramssexing.flv

Could someone identify male or female for me? And what behavior should I expect in terms of them pairing off etc..

Thank you for any reply

 

[meguro]

I think the ram at the beginning is male and the ram at 45s is female. They are quite young and I wouldn't expect breeding behaviour for at least 6 months.

The male will have a brighter more brilliant colouration. The ventral fins on the male are usually longer than the females and have a darker blue edging. Caudal fin extensions will develop further too and generally more intense red colouration. The females breeding tube will protrude further and consequently be more visible than the males.

The male will start by swimming around the female closely with all fins erect. The male may also flare its gills quite a lot (a different flaring from aggression though). Lip locking may be witnessed at this time. The male will then continue with his fin displays and begin chasing other fish away as well as pushing the substrate around. He will generally swim closely behind the female. The female, if receptive, will begin responding back to the male with flicking motions. When both fish help each other to dig pits in the substrate spawning should be imminent.

At least, that's what I've observed with mine.

edit: forgot to say, your rams look like they have sunken stomachs. Make sure they get enough food as silver dollars are greedy feeders and may eat the majority of food before the rams get any.

 

[ALW]

Two males!

 

[mbsqw1d]

I think the ram at the beginning is male and the ram at 45s is female. They are quite young and I wouldn't expect breeding behaviour for at least 6 months.

The male will have a brighter more brilliant colouration. The ventral fins on the male are usually longer than the females and have a darker blue edging. Caudal fin extensions will develop further too and generally more intense red colouration. The females breeding tube will protrude further and consequently be more visible than the males.

The male will start by swimming around the female closely with all fins erect. The male may also flare its gills quite a lot (a different flaring from aggression though). Lip locking may be witnessed at this time. The male will then continue with his fin displays and begin chasing other fish away as well as pushing the substrate around. He will generally swim closely behind the female. The female, if receptive, will begin responding back to the male with flicking motions. When both fish help each other to dig pits in the substrate spawning should be imminent.

At least, that's what I've observed with mine.

edit: forgot to say, your rams look like they have sunken stomachs. Make sure they get enough food as silver dollars are greedy feeders and may eat the majority of food before the rams get any.

Thanks for great response I have witnessed them doing the mouth grappling today and the male was flaring his gills however he swam off as thought he lost..
I have been concerned regarding their eating / diet. The Columbian tetras do have a good feast before anyone else gets a look in. Also, they are quite faddy. I have tried a small piece of shredded boiled chicken rubbed with garlic which seemed to go down well! just bit more hassle than putting some fish food straight from a tub in.. Any ideas on what other fish I should add next