How Big Are Your Balloon Rams?

[JustAFishServant]

Everywhere I look, there's very little, or no, info about balloon ram maximum size. Most rams allegedly get 2in/5cm. As a short body variety, balloons must be smaller, no? 1.5in/3.8cm?

 

[coralbandit]

Balloons are a genetic defect.
For every sp.

 

[JustAFishServant]

Balloons are a genetic defect.
For every sp.

Oh I know. Balloon mollies, ram cichlids, gouramis, etc. A back deformity. Don't know why it's bred in.

A friend asked. I'm not interested in getting any. My question is - how big do they get?

 

[Flyfisha]

I have no balloon rams myself but the size of the head remains the same. The height remains the same it’s just the total body length that is shorter.
My suspicion is they are unlikely to grow to adulthood in the average home aquarium. It’s hard enough in my town to keep any of the chain store brought rams alive. About one in 4 of the chain store gene pool makes it to two years, in my town. I suspected balloons will have even more health problems?

So to answer your question.
Same sized head. Same height but shorter.
As big as possible?

 

[MacZ]

Oh I know. Balloon mollies, ram cichlids, gouramis, etc. A back deformity. Don't know why it's bred in.

A friend asked. I'm not interested in getting any. My question is - how big do they get?

3/4 of the normal standard length.

If it was my friend, I'd talk them out of it.

 

[JustAFishServant]

3/4 of the normal standard length.

If it was my friend, I'd talk them out of it.

I don't even think they're wanting any. Besides, if they were, I don't feel it's my place to push my crazy beliefs on people. I've been in the hobby for 11 years - I believe a lot of things

 

[MacZ]

If it helps making things like balloon fish and similar abominations disappear...