Gbr Breeding Behaviors?

Hello, all!

I'm a new mum to three german blue rams. I have always been obsessed with them, and am sooooo happy to finally own them. My LFS, Aquarium Co-Op, said that I have one pair (male & female) and one single male.

I have definitely already identified the pair, as they spend most of their time together.
My question is - what are breeding behaviors of GBR's? I don't INTEND to breed them, but if it happens, I'll definitely take care of them. I just wanted more info on what to look for, etc.

 

They might build a nest in the sand. Pair may try to bully the odd male a lot. Mine always do. Pink/red spot on female should get more intense. If they have truly paired off and water parameters are to their liking you could see eggs in a week, but that is approximate.

 

Good to know! Thanks! The pair don't bully the single male, they actually hang out as a trio quite often, they just have their own separate territories it seems. pH is a bit high for rams, currently about 6.8, but since they're aquarium bred I believe they're probably accustomed to a more neutral pH anyways. Other than that, water parameters are good, and temperature is rising to ideal as we speak.

I am wondering though, if they do mate and lay eggs, if I'll even notice in enough time to save/protect the eggs from the other fish, especially my angelfish. He thinks everything is food and I'd bet some serious money he'd attempt to eat the eggs if he saw them.

 

Good to know! Thanks! The pair don't bully the single male, they actually hang out as a trio quite often, they just have their own separate territories it seems. pH is a bit high for rams, currently about 6.8, but since they're aquarium bred I believe they're probably accustomed to a more neutral pH anyways. Other than that, water parameters are good, and temperature is rising to ideal as we speak.

I am wondering though, if they do mate and lay eggs, if I'll even notice in enough time to save/protect the eggs from the other fish, especially my angelfish. He thinks everything is food and I'd bet some serious money he'd attempt to eat the eggs if he saw them.

Your PH is more than fine. Lowest I've ever had them in is 7.4 and mine have bred several times. Soft water does seem to help trigger breeding. I've had rams in groups of three to five and they act like yours are now. You'll likely know when they actually pair off and intend to breed as the third wheel won't be welcome near the nest site. They really ratchet up the territorial thing when they attempt to breed. Put some flat items in the tank. Leaves work well. A flat rock may. Or they may choose to make a nest in sand or gravel. They will guard the eggs so you'll likely notice. Mine have only spawned a few times as I had them in harder water much of the time before I had an RO unit. I don't try to spawn them in a community tank anymore. They got stressed out every time. Especially the male. GBRs are known to be poor parents when they are young. Highly likely to eat either the eggs or the fry a few days after they are free swimming.

 

Our gold rams are great parents now. The first two times they ate their eggs and this third time they are parenting their wigglers as we speak. They don't let any other fish near them. They guard their babies fiercely. We gave them their own tank after the first time they spawned and the only tank mate they have is a sweet little dwarf gourami that was being picked on by the big ones in another tank and he doesn't go near them or their eggs. Being new parents we didn't want them to stress over other fish is why we got a 20 gal just for them with lots of plants and hiding places for each to have their own if needed. I've watched video of rams going up against bigger fish and holding their own, hurting a bigger fish in one video for trying to get to the eggs so I'd watch the angelfish then as to no one gets hurt.