I purchased a couple of Bolivian Rams just over 2 weeks ago which ive never had. They are not very big- about 3cm so they must be youngsters, and they looked identical so I didnt know if they were male or female. They didnt get on at all at first, one rammed and chased the other constantly. I was on the verge of returning one to the shop when it suddenly all changed! Peace prevailed and one got more colourful and was displaying to the other by rushing over and going backwards and curling and flapping its tail. I didnt take much notice as they both had suddenly developed what appeared to be an oviposter so I assumed they were both females! This morning I came down to find one guarding a batch of eggs. I take this one to be the male as it was more coloured and was the one doing the dancing? Incidentailly in the last day or so the other one has also coloured up brightly now too!
My question is from reading up on web sites they say they pair for life and share the guarding of the eggs, but the male (?) wont let the female near and chases her away! Only this one fish has been on guard for 2 days now Is this normal? Could it be that they are both females but that one has laid the eggs anyway or is this not possible? Also does it mean that all hostilities will be resumed again now?
My question is from reading up on web sites they say they pair for life and share the guarding of the eggs, but the male (?) wont let the female near and chases her away! Only this one fish has been on guard for 2 days now Is this normal? Could it be that they are both females but that one has laid the eggs anyway or is this not possible? Also does it mean that all hostilities will be resumed again now?