Isabella

This is the first time I've seen Bolivian Rams (and any Rams at all) at my LFS yesterday. They're such beautiful fish. I almost bought 3 of them, but I had to stop myself. I couldn't tell which ones were males and females! They all had they same coloration. They weren't very colorful anyway, I guess because they are still not fully grown. Plus, males should be more colorful than females, and I couldn't see that either. Taking this into account, I don't think I'll be able to tell males from females apart. What do I do? The store staff won't help me because they don't have a clue themselves. I don't want to rely on them.

Besides, I want to get Rams when I add more plants to my tank (soon), as this will give them more hiding spots. I am planning on getting a lot of large Swords - these plants should create perfect hiding spots.

I have a question though: Can I mix Bolivian Rams with German Blue Rams? I know I have to have a ratio of 2 females to 1 male. So, I'll be getting 1 male and 2 females. Will Bolivian and German Blue Rams live together as if they were of the same variety?

Butterfly

I didn't have a problem with my Bolivian Rams and German Blue Rams living together (see pic in Ram picture section)
In my experience the Bolivian Rams aren't as colorful as german Blue Rams.
Carol

Isabella

Thanks for the reply Carol That's good news they can live together I am thinking of 1 German Blue female, 1 Bolivian female, and 1 German Blue male. I do know Bolivian Rams are not as colorful as German Blue Rams. Though I really love those pink "stripes" along the fins of Bolivian Rams. They're so cute.

Here:
(You've seen this photo before, but I'm just posting it here again to show you the pink stripes.)

Butterfly

Yes they are beautiful
Carol

neverendingninja

Honestly, I don't see my bolivians and blues mingling too much. Typically, when they do, its a little squaller over food or a cave. I only have one male and one female blue, and two unsexed(possibly both male) Bolivians, and everyone seems to get along just fine, although I could definitely understand the 2f/1m ratio being better. In fact, if my financial situation proves to go on the up and up soon, I'll be adding another female blue.

I'm sorry, but I really can't be of any help with the Bolivians. Last time I was at my NSLFS(not so local fish shop, its an hour one way for quality fish), I stood in front of their Bolivian tank for about 10 minutes trying to figure out which was which, but never figured it out. Several employees were helpless, also, and they are all very knowledgeable folks there.

Isabella

Neverendingninja, thanks for your comments You mean, when you and the NSLFS staff (lol) were looking at the Bolivian Rams, you couldn't tell which were males and females? Hmm I also think Bolivians grow larger than German Blues, right? Hmm ... maybe I should go with just 3 German Blue Rams.

neverendingninja

Right, I couldn't tell males from females, but had a revelation last night. I was looking at the Bolivians in my tank, thinking they were both males, wishing I could find two females and get rid of one of the males to make them happier, and said I was disappointed I couldn't sex the Bolivians, when my wife said, "Why not? Its easy". She pointed out to me, the pelvic fins are the biggest difference, because all the Bolivians seem to have the tall dorsal fins.

The pelvic fins of the male are quite a bit longer, and its really not hard to tell them apart once you know what to look for. I can't find a good photo of a Bolivian ram to show you with, but look for some pictures that demonstrate male blues from females, and look at the pelvic fins. Its the same with the Bolivians.

And yes, the Bolivians are larger than Blues. Both are very interesting fish, and have much the same personality. Its really a toss up between size and color as to which you go with. I have both, and love all of them!

edit; also, just noticed, the males caudal extensions are more extreme than the females.

Isabella

Wow, that's some interesting piece of info! Thanks, once again I'll keep all of this in mind when buying Rams

Callum The Cat

neverendingninja

Here ya go. My female wouldn't be still long enough for me to get a shot of her, but I made up an example for you.



Where the green lines go through is where the females fins stop, but her color is just as vibrant as the males.

Really this is just an excuse for me to show them off , and please forgive the finger in the shot, I had to tease them to get a picture.

COBettaCouple

Those rams are beauties!

Allie

Now I want Bolivians again. We have them in ours all the time.
Nice fish!!

neverendingninja

Well, sheesh! Thank guys!