Temperamental Bolivians

[koinukun]

Ok, so I have a 155L (around 40g I think...) tank with plenty of real plants, driftwood and rocks.

My 2 Bolivian Rams act very strange. I've only had them for about 5 days as my tank has just finished it's fishless cycle. Since getting them they have coloured up nicely but unfortunately I'm pretty sure that they are both boys. I tried to follow sexing guides I've read when choosing them but it is easier said than done.

They both seem to have established territories but sometimes they swim together like best buddies and other times they fight. The fighting wasn't really bad to begin with, they would just flare their gills at each other, liplock abit and the "dominant" one would always back down, only to sneak attack and chase the other later on. But now when I got up today, I've noticed an increase in aggression with the dominant one who really chases and nips the flanks of the other when ever he sees him. There is no visible damage yet but I'm worried that the runt will get stressed and sick or die if it continues.

What should I do?

Is the tank too small for the both of them? Should I get rid of one and try to get another only a female? Or will they both be fine?

They are the only bottom dwellers in the tank I have. The other tank mates are 1 very small angelfish (no bigger than 2 inches) and 7 Harlequin Rasboras.

Thanks for any advice anyone can give!

koinukun~

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Ok, so I have a 155L (around 40g I think...) tank with plenty of real plants, driftwood and rocks.

My 2 Bolivian Rams act very strange. I've only had them for about 5 days as my tank has just finished it's fishless cycle. Since getting them they have coloured up nicely but unfortunately I'm pretty sure that they are both boys. I tried to follow sexing guides I've read when choosing them but it is easier said than done.

They both seem to have established territories but sometimes they swim together like best buddies and other times they fight. The fighting wasn't really bad to begin with, they would just flare their gills at each other, liplock abit and the "dominant" one would always back down, only to sneak attack and chase the other later on. But now when I got up today, I've noticed an increase in aggression with the dominant one who really chases and nips the flanks of the other when ever he sees him. There is no visible damage yet but I'm worried that the runt will get stressed and sick or die if it continues.

What should I do?

Is the tank too small for the both of them? Should I get rid of one and try to get another only a female? Or will they both be fine?

They are the only bottom dwellers in the tank I have. The other tank mates are 1 very small angelfish (no bigger than 2 inches) and 7 Harlequin Rasboras.

Thanks for any advice anyone can give!

koinukun~

They are Cichlids, and Cichlids are not only aggressive, but as said territorial. It has only been five days, they are probably still bickering for dominance and territory.

Both of them being males isn't going to help either. My Discus destroy each other sometimes. It can be scary, but as long as they are looking healthy, eating and have fins, then it should be okay.

Keep an eye on them, it really is your call. You could always post a video of them just so we can judge.