Breeding Bolivian Rams

[bike_riding_cichlid]

Hi everyone, I am keeping two Bolivian Rams(microgeophagus altispinosa) in a 47 gal. tank with 3 angels, 2 keyholes, 2 swords, and 4 cories. I am pretty sure they are a pair because they love hanging out together, physical appearances(one has an extended ray on its tail) and that they are more colorful than the rams at one of my local stores(Breeding colors?).

An interesting thing is that they don't seem to spawn(If they do, I don't see it). I am thinking about starting a new tank for them(If my parents will let me) to try to breed them. But I really don't know much about breeding Bolivians.

How big should the tank be? How should I scape it? Should it be blackwater? What should the water chemistry be? Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[kribensis12]

They'll breed fine in a 20gallon tank. Blackwater would help them breed, but sint nessecary. Ph should be around 7.0 . You should have ALOTof plants, and ALOT of Bogwood, and ALOT of caves. Basically, it should be a challenge to see you rams unless it's feeding time. Would love to see pic's, which it would be easier, becasue then we could se x them, so you wont need to go through uncessecary trouble trying to get 2 males or females to breed.

 

[bike_riding_cichlid]

Thanks Kribensis i'll try to get pics!

 

[kribensis12]

Thanks Kribensis i'll try to get pics!

YOUR WELCOME!

 

[bike_riding_cichlid]

i've got some pics, hope they help you sex them.


I think this one is a female

i'm pretty sure this guy is a male.

I don't think they are 2 males because there is no aggresion between the 2.

 

[stang1]

1st pic is a female and 2nd pic is a male. The male has the extended, pointed dorsal, anal and caudal fins.

 

[bike_riding_cichlid]

I thought so, thx stang!

 

[kribensis12]

I agree with stang.

 

[bike_riding_cichlid]

Thx for all the help!