Bolivian Ram Behaviour - Wwyd?

I have 5 BRs in a 55 gallon and 2 just spawned in the last few days. While this is exciting, I'm only mentioning it because I'm concerned about one ram in particular.

Four of the rams for the last few weeks are their normal, engaging selves, while "Five" stays towards the back of the tank. She seems to be hiding, though she does venture out from time to time. I've seen her flash 3 times in the last 3 days.

Now with the spawning pair, everyone is getting chased off - nothing too aggressive - but I'm worried about Five especially.

I also don't want to disrupt the pair, who have a clutch (?) of eggs on a rock they are protecting vigilantly.

I have a hospital tank I can get ready but my tank is pretty densely planted and I have no idea how I'd catch Five without wreaking havoc.

What would you do? Leave her or move her? Any advice for a klutz like me on catching fish in a planted tank?

 

Can you observe her and describe any visual signs? Particularly, any white spots or a sunken stomach?

 

The only thing different about her that I can see is her dorsal fin stays down more than any of the others and she won't come to the front of the tank like she used to. Her other fins are not clamped. No white spots, her weight looks okay. I'm stumped. I'll see if I can get any video of her but the tank lights are off for siesta at the moment.

 

I have a trio of female GBRs in my 120g. Two of the females hang out together more while the third is picked on and hides as a result. She was never as large, she is not boisterous at feeding time like the other two. Eventually I will add a male again and possibly get more females, but for now I'm making sure she gets food by feeding it right around her (as if by hand) and she eats. As long as ram 5 is not clamping, losing color, breathing irregularly, thinning, sulking, bloated, losing equilibrium, no outward cysts/lesions/spots/fungus, it's probably just a hierarchy thing related to the breeding pair. I really think an even number works better so there's never an odd one out.

 

Okay and Thanks AquaticJ for your reply. Here is the video. On really close inspection Five does look thinner. Thank you for making me really, really look. What do you think?

I have more videos taken and apologies for the glass - it’s maintenance day. Bonus footage of Dad with eggs.

 

I have a trio of female GBRs in my 120g. Two of the females hang out together more while the third is picked on and hides as a result. She was never as large, she is not boisterous at feeding time like the other two. Eventually I will add a male again and possibly get more females, but for now I'm making sure she gets food by feeding it right around her (as if by hand) and she eats. As long as ram 5 is not clamping, losing color, breathing irregularly, thinning, sulking, bloated, losing equilibrium, no outward cysts/lesions/spots/fungus, it's probably just a hierarchy thing related to the breeding pair. I really think an even number works better so there's never an odd one out.

Thank you for your detailed reply! That helps to know about the numbers - I actually had 6 rams in the tank but one (affectionately named Dink) was moved to my 29 QT permanently as he just couldn’t get on with the rest. I wonder if I shouldn’t move 5 to her own tank as well. What’s another?

 

She's pretty tiny, but personally I can't see anything really wrong. She reminds me of my female GBR. How long have you had them? Did you QT them? She has just started this seclusive behavior when two paired off?

I'd definitely watch her closely and make sure she is eating if you leave her.

If you decide to take her out, I find the easiest way to catch small fish is to use 2 med/large nets. I use black nets and make slow movements zeroing in on the fish from two different directions. I might rest the nets and use my hands to guide the fish. I try to steer the fish into one of the large nets. The trick is to try really hard not to alarm the fish with quick aggressive movements. If they bolt, it might take a while before they will calm down enough to capture again. If you can coax them to a corner against the glass, it helps. If you really have trouble, catch the fish after the light has been off for a few hours.

 

This is most helpful and reassuring angelcraze.

I have had my rams for about 4 months now and they were QT for 30 days before putting them in the 55. I’d say, yes, this behaviour started when the other two paired off.

I’ll keep a close eye on her - I had read on a reputable site that rams enjoy groups so I don’t want to isolate her; that said, Dink rules his 29 along with some tetras but his personality is very different. I guess as long as she isn’t being bullied and is eating I should leave her be.

Thank you very much for the netting advice! I’ve only ever netted out of a QT tank I could tear down so your methods are most helpful. A million thanks!

 

No worries, I'm glad I helped