Blue Ram Aggression/pairing

[Mr. Convict]

Okay firstly, one of my Rams has started dominating the others, And its not just the sort of face-off aggression, he actually bumps into them (rams them ) and chases them. First i thought he has paired with another, as he was originally not attacking one of them,. then after watching for about 10 minutes, i saw him chasing that one too.

So i want to know, is this [somewhat] normal? or should i move him to another tank?

I am disinclined to moving any of the fish as i really want to get a pair lol but if i have to i will

I also have some questions about pairing.

What is usual pairing behavior, ie. signs to look for to that will maybe hint if my rams have paired?

If 2 rams have paired, will they swim togther ALL the time (ie. hardly ever leaving each other's side) or do they just swim together for periods of time and go about by themselves when they need to?

Do paired rams show aggression even if they didnt spawn?

And..

Are females generally a bit fatter than males? I have one that seems a bit round at the belly area, its not large, hardly even noticeable, but if you look at her (i hope its a her) you can sort of see it.

 

[minxfishy]

Hi, How long have you had them and how many in what size tank? Sorry just for background info.

He is probably just showing his dominance or trying to attract a female (assuming you have one!). I doubt the 'ramming' is serious, just a pecking order thing or when there is food about.

As for the pairing, no clue tbh LOL, mine have shown no interest in pairing, my female daillies with the both the boys, gets them in a frenzy with each other, then merrily swims off leaving them to cool down. She is a little hussy.

Generally they only become really aggressive if they spawn, otherwise its all for show. Although if they are in a small tank with a lot of them, they may compete for the best spot/cave. If you find or think the aggression is becoming too much, I would take them out for a while (bucket of tank water) re-arrange the decor, then put them back again, start them off on a level playing fiend again. Also make sure they have no 'line of sight' to each other. Have lots of plants, bogwood to break up the tank.

 

[dave_paton]

I have a pair of blue rams that have "paired up" and spawn every three weeks, during this time when they lay the eggs they are aggresive to all the other fish that swim by, nothing serious tho, they are just trying to protect their eggs. as for swimming together all the time, mine dont, but is the male sees the female to far away he will catch up and brush up beside her.

I also have a pair of bolivain rams in the same tank, which have not paired up. The male constantly bullys the female. but she has found her place in the tank now.

Also be on the look out for eggs, if she has a round pink belly she is most likely to be carrying eggs.

i wouldnt worry to much about the dominant male to much, just let them settle down a bit and see what happens.