Rams?

[rwfishguy]

I am setting up a new 50 gallon tank over the next month.

I am interested in the Butterfly/Bolivian Ram.

What do I need to know about this lovely fish?

I am a novice fish keeper and I am looking for an eye popping type primary fish. This would be it.

I'm not looking to breed them. Is that an issue?

[Saban2013]

Good choice for your 50 gallon. Blue Rams are a peaceful fish that like plenty of cover. Do not keep any aggressive species with them, they would not fair well. To feeding, these fish will eat practicaly anything you choose to feed. I would recommend frozen mysis shrimp, blood worms, etc. They will also eat any commercial flake food on the market.

[Jessery]

I would start with Bolivians before trying the Blue Rams. The Blues are more picky about their water parameters.

[ScottFish]

I've kept both Rams and agree that Bol. Rams usually are the best start dwarf cich. They, in fact, tend to live longer than their cousins. Lots of plants, and they both like "dither fish" on top.

[rwfishguy]

I think I found my signature fish then for the tank.

I found a place that sells them as well. So, I am pleased.

[Crazygar]

Bolivian Rams (Microgeophagus altispinosa) are wonderful fish and great way to introduce yourself into the world of Dwarf Cichlids. These come with a warning though: Dwarf Cichlids can become addictive.

I started off with 1 Apistogramma gibbiceps and never looked back!

They are Biparental (mean both Parents will help with the raising the Eggs/Young) which means soon as a bond forms, chances are you are going to have a pair for life. But since you are not interested, at this time, breeding them, here are some facts;

Water: 22–26 °C, 72–79 °F with a pH range of 6 (Acidic) to 7 (neutral)
Aquascape: wood, plants and broken lines of sight if you plan to keep more than one in a tank. Best if kept in tanks with more footprint than depth
Substrate: Similar to sand, these fish are known to dig pits for fry during breeding or defining territories.
Lighting: Dim to Bright but provide shaded areas for the Rams if you are going bright.
Tankmates: Smaller, no aggressive Tetras to provide as a "Dither Fish", Mid to Top Dwelling please.

*A Dither Fish is a fish that fish use to determine conditions in the area. If the Dithers are out and about then there is no immediate threat and coast is clear, if the Dithers are hiding, the Dwarf Cichlids will take this a cue and hide as well. Also provides a "perceived" threat when breeding forcing the Dwarf Cichlids to be better parents

I suggest a minimum tank size of no less than 30GALs for 3 individuals. Once territories are established amongst the individuals, DO NOT introduce any more. If you plan to put in 5 (total max for a 30GAL), please put them all in at the same time. They will squabble for territory and you must provide this such as plants, wood, and visual markers.

They are wonderful fish and not so picky eaters! Always give your fish a varied diet! Good choice.

Gary

[GroomPet]

Interesting to see Bolivian Rams being discussed. I read about them for the first time in a back copy of TFH this week online. I assumed Blue Rams were one specific species. From what I'm reading, they'd be a great way to keep Rams without the "pickiness" I seem to remember in the blue rams I kept years ago. When I see rams in a store, is it easy to tell Bolivian from others? Is there a good source to buy them from? Would they do well with serpae tetras?

[Crazygar]

This is a Bolivian Ram. They are noticeable due to their size and coloration. Now here is a Blue Ram;


This is a Blue Ram.

MAJOR differences.

Gary