Bolivian Ram Pairing

I am rehoming my tetras soon, which opens up space for a Bolivian ram pair and some corys. I have a male ram Rn. If I buy a female, then is there a guarantee that they will pair up?

 

They will decide if they want to pair. Usually given time they should, but there are times they won't. Just make sure its a female and give them time, its very likely they will pair. And then make sure there's areas they can lay eggs and such.

 

Is there any way that they won't lay eggs? I don't really have the time for fry, and I have no space for more tanks lol. Also will they be aggressive towards a betta or corys?

Thx for your response.

 

Is there any way that they won't lay eggs? I don't really have the time for fry, and I have no space for more tanks lol. Also will they be aggressive towards a betta or corys?

Thx for your response.

No problem. If there's a male and female, they'll find a way to lay eggs no matter what you do. Mine are very persistent haha. You don't need another tank, in a community they tend to get eaten before long. Especially with first time parents. They usually ignore most other fish. They will fight each other a bit. When breeding they may chase other fish that come near, but mine have never harmed anything at all.

 

ok, thanks.

 

and also, a female bolivian will have no darkening on the top fin right?
Does this pic seem right?

 

That is a good guide to go by. However those features can be wrong at times. Bolivians can display characteristics of the opposite gender, which is my many find them so hard to sex. For instance, all my females have darker dorsal (top fin) rays than my male, and they all have long trailers on their tail fins. Look for a ram with obvious feminine features that are shown in that pic. The head shape is quite reliable imo. But make sure to look at the breeding tube too. That's most reliable in my experience.

A females will be thick like this one:


A males will be much smaller like this one:

 

and what happens if I get another male on accident? I think the ones at the lfs are juveniles. Not sure if I can return.

 

and what happens if I get another male on accident? I think the ones at the lfs are juveniles. Not sure if I can return.

There are members here that have males together. They are mostly fine as far as I know. They fight more often, but problems mainly occur when there is a female in the mix too. Really try for a female though. Just look for the breeding tube and pick one with an obvious, thick tube and overall feminine appearance. If you find the tube hard to see somehow, go by those other characteristics and make an educated guess.

 

very much appreciate your responses. thanks.