Enough big guys . . . let's see dwarf cichlids!!!

[tear-scar]

I'm kind of crossing my fingers that enough people have small cichlids for this thread to not die.

I'm cutting the limit at 4" max adult size. Any bigger, and that cichlid species is too big for this thread!

Anyway, I'll start off with photos of my two rams. sorry guys, links to pics for now, I'll swap these for posted images when I move them to another photo storage site:

Great thing about keeping rams is seeing how they get more colorful as they get used to their territory. The less colorful the fish is, the older the photo for that fish.

Gold Balloon Ram:

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A39ot1lsi

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...99%3A3%3Aot1lsi

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A42ot1lsi

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...99%3A3%3Bot1lsi

wooh, sparkly:

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A44ot1lsi

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A45ot1lsi

"Leave me alone . . ." pictures taken early in the morning

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A46ot1lsi

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A47ot1lsi



Now a few of my regular gold ram (I've had for less time, actually in a different tank)

They're always shy at first:

http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...99%3A4%3Aot1lsi

A little bolder . . .
http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A49ot1lsi

Now there's the right color!
http/images.yorkphoto.com/33%3B725432323...A999%3A48ot1lsi




I'll finish this with the newest photo I've got of the balloon. Hope you enjoy!

 

[Vip]

My flag RIP

 

[parker313]

I love my blue rams

 

[tear-scar]

parker313--Since blue and gold rams are only different in color, what exactly is the color difference, since those "blue rams" of yours have lots of yellow?

 

[parker313]

I have no idea what the official designation of difference is.... The yellow on mine usually don't show that brilliantly. It's usually much more subtle. When looking at mine, even when you don't see the blue "spangles", there's a definite blue/grey color to their body but with the gold rams I've seen, they've been yellow/orangey on their body.

--Kristin

 

[tear-scar]

Oh, that makes sense! Because my rams always have a definite yellow coloration, and blue colors only are apparent when light hits a certain way, and only around the pelvic fins and areas with the "sprangles."

 

[parker313]

My fish are usually more gray with pale yellow heads - their colors usually flare up when they see each other

 

[tear-scar]

I find they become pale and weak if they don't have a lot of hiding places . . . my balloon ram actually likes caves, though most times he doesn't go into them. Just likes to have them.

Come on, someone post some apistogrammas! I wanted cockatoo's, but I got rams so I decided I wouldn't mix.

 

[cutecotton]

my kribs

 

[Fuzzy]

they r purdy
i want them

 

[tear-scar]

nice kribs

others???

 

[Crystal]

tha balloon is georgous!

 

[tear-scar]

Thanx! I'll tell him!

Most stores around here sell import fish, but one of the shops stays in touch with some of the local breeders. I always try to pick up breeder fish (like the balloon ram) when I can.

 

[digital_run]

My keyholes!!

 

[digital_run]

And the second one...