Dull colors on blue Ram

I just got a German Ram a few weeks ago. He's in a 32 gallon hexagonal tank. He is the same colour as when I got him from the lfs. My water parameters are fine. Does it take some time for them to get there colors?

 

What else do you have in the tank? Is he a colour variety of GR or no? Are you sure he's a male? Do you have any plants or hiding places in the tank? What colour is your substrate?

Can you post your exact water parameters?

 

Are you absolutely sure he's a GBR? He could easily be a Bolivian Ram, which are a little bit less colorful. My pet store mislabeles them all the time. it would help if you could post a good picture of his whole body from the side, and a close up of the back end so I can get a look at the ventrical (to tell if it's male or female.) This link should also help with sexing. https://www.brc.moonfruit.com/sexing-guide/4528902946

 

I agree w aquaphobia... Bolivian rams are a little less vibrant colored than there cousins. However, from what ive known of rams are that when they are stressed they tend to lose their colors a bit. Once u get them acclimated to your tank the colors definitely will come back. My bolivians did this when I purchased them at the lfs while the clerk was chasing them with the net. Also, with a lot of rams they tend to be more super vibrant when there is a female present for mating purposes

 

Hello red...

Tank water that's within acceptable limits, like 0 ammonia and nitrites and nitrates in the 20-30 ppm range, doesn't mean the water is healthy. What's your water change routine? Water that sits in the tank more than a week, gradually loses it's ability to hold oxygen and water that's constantly run through a filter system loses trace elements and electrolytes that the fish needs for sustained good health. If you're not removing and replacing at least half the tank water every week or so, then your fish isn't as healthy as if it got more clean water, more often.

If you think your fish's color isn't where it should be, start a more aggressive water change routine.

Old

 

Sorry for the late reply. I called the lfs that I got the Ram from and he said it's a German Ram not a German blue Ram. I don't know if that makes a difference as I'm new to the fish hobby. I will take a picture and check the water parameters again when I get home.

 

I do water changes once a week on Sunday that's my only day off.

 

I have lots of plants and rock caves. He's currently with a male platy.

 

Above is the picture of my German Ram.

 

View attachment 200241

Above is the picture of my German Ram.

Yea, Its a german blue ram. In a fish store they give it different names but its the same species. Yours should color up a bit as it matures or if u add a female in there. Just make sure your tank has ample space