how to sex rams?

[BigDaddyMagnum]

hey all, anyone really know how to fully sex rams,, cause i have 2, that used to ALWAYS i mean ALWAYS move together like twins haha, recently though they are always seperate and one ever once and a while chases the other, noone gets hurt of course but whats the deal? trying to breed? or in breeding mode?

 

[Ullopincrate]

Blue rams (german rams) get the point on the dorsal that sticks up. However I read that if you look at the spot on their side, the black one, you can sex them as juveniles. It said if the spot is black it's male. If there is any iridescent blue spots at all on that spot it's a female. not sure about others.

 

[BigDaddyMagnum]

thanks but i need for bolivian thanks though man

 

[edburress]

Best means is the vent...
Male (small, pointed)

Female (larger, blunt)

If they are the same age, males are usually larger and more colorful. Both sexes can have very slightly extended dorsal rays and both sexes can have extensions on the caudal fin. Males tend to have more extended pelvic fins, in the above female, the pelvic fin is short and in the below male it is more elongated...

This is an 18 month old female, showing characteristics typical of a male (slightly extended dorsal rays and caudal extensions) but clearly shows the female vent...

If the fish are mature, females vents are usually visible all the time. HTH,

Ed

 

[Ullopincrate]

Excellent info Edburress. Thanks for taking the time. It's not my thread but I have blues and have been considering others. I love the little buggers. Happen to know if they all get along with conspecifics?

 

[edburress]

Happen to know if they all get along with conspecifics?

Bolivians do very well in small groups, they have quite a lot of interesting social behavior. I'm sure you would enjoy them. They bicker amongst themselves, but mostly just ritualistic kind of behavior, certainly no injuries. Groups of 6 or so (similar to the larger eartheaters) works fine if the tanks footprint permits.

 

[Ullopincrate]

Thanks again. One more.... What about mixing species for say a community show tank? would they kill each other?

 

[Lupin]

Thanks again. One more.... What about mixing species for say a community show tank? would they kill each other?

No. I've kept blue rams and Bolivian rams together in a community tank with no issues. Blue rams do prefer temperature on the higher side so that tends to be an issue for some community fish who lack tolerance for warm environment.

 

[Red Terror_86]

Blue rams (german rams) get the point on the dorsal that sticks up. However I read that if you look at the spot on their side, the black one, you can sex them as juveniles. It said if the spot is black it's male. If there is any iridescent blue spots at all on that spot it's a female. not sure about others.

You are spot on about the irredecant blue sparkles in black spot for females, and the 3rd dorsal ray should be the tallest in a male...

Only spawned them the once and was a loooong time ago....

Hope this helps...