Different Rams

[rdstars]

Just wondering if there is a big difference in Rams.

To me from what I can tell they all look very similar. I bought what was label Bolivian Rams from one LFS, I thought I would go to another LFS and buy another pair but looking at what was in the tank they were label as Dutch Rams BUT looked the same.

So I am not 100% what I have but think I got two males from one and two females from the other. They all seem to be getting on just fine, if they are different could they pair up. I would post photos but I am rubbish at taking them of moving fish.

 

[KittyKat]

There are two species: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus (Bolivian ram) and Microgeophagus ramirezi (blue ram).

Go by the average images you find on Google. Blue rams come in a number of different colour morphs and "balloon".

The two species are best not mixed.

 

[ZoddyZod]

There are two different species traded with 'Ram' in their common name

Bolivian Ram - Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

German Blue Ram - Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Balloon Ram - mutation of the german blue with stunted body length
Gold ram - colour strain variation of the blue ram

dutch ram may be either of the two, but the altispinosus are generally much less colourful than their ramirezi cousins. You should easily be able to tell the two apart.

There are two species: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus (Bolivian ram) and Microgeophagus ramirezi (blue ram).

Go by the average images you find on Google. Blue rams come in a number of different colour morphs and "balloon".

The two species are best not mixed.

beaten to it!

 

[rdstars]

Had a go at taking a photo, little blur but hopefully can tell the two different ones.

 

[Davo86]

Dutch Rams are usually Blue Rams. They were originally called German Blue Rams because most fish were bred in Germany but now a lot come from the likes of Holland and the Czech Republic

 

[KittyKat]

Those look more like two (possibly female) blue rams than Bolivian rams.

 

[rdstars]

Two of the Rams are very colourful with little blue dots on them and a large black dot, the other two are more pale, less colour. Not sure if that helps.

 

[KittyKat]

The blue ones are blue rams, the pale ones (do they have pinks in the fins and body?) are probably Bolivian rams.

p.s. the two fish in your photo look quite stressed!

 

[rdstars]

The blue ones are blue rams, the pale ones (do they have pinks in the fins and body?) are probably Bolivian rams.

p.s. the two fish in your photo look quite stressed!

Yes that's me chasing them round for a photo stressing them, I have been able to hand feed them as there usuraly quite relaxed. rely need to learn how to take good photos.

Got a couple more photos but it's meant me chasing them round.

Here is the two so called Dutch Rams that was on the label:

The one on the right is the so called Bolivian Ram that was on the label:

 

[KittyKat]

Yes, definitely blue rams. The one on the right is 99% sure to be female, the one on the left is 70% sure female.

 

[rdstars]

So both LFS were wrong on there label,,, At least I know I got all the same then and should not have problems.

What is the best way of telling there sex as I am finding it hard taking moving photos.

That's enough now of chasing them round trying to get a photo but got a closer one, still a little blur:

 

[KittyKat]

Adult females are smaller, usually have pink bellies.
Adult males usually have a more pointed dorsal at the back and the first 2-3 rays are much longer.

 

[rdstars]

Tried to get a few more photos, decided to crop them first but still a little blur. Can anyone see if I got any Males in here, I think I got one but better ask.

Also taken another cutting of the Anabus and going to try growing it lower down:

Just need to fill the middle with some plants as soon as I work out what and how, may also go with Black sand or gravel, got most of the sand out ready for more work.