Are you looking to stock your tank with Apistogramma and Bolivian Rams? Can Apistos and Bolivian Rams get along or will they fight for territory? In this article, we’ll discuss the possibility of keeping Apistogramma and Bolivian Rams together.
Can You Keep Apistogramma With Bolivian Rams? If your tank is 55 Gallons or larger, you can keep a pair of Bolivian Rams with a pair of Apistogramma. A single of each species will better. Apistos are more aggressive despite their smaller size. Males from both species may defend their territories more aggressively.
What Are The Risks Of Keeping Bolivian Rams with Apistogramma?
Both types of fish belong to similar freshwater regions of South America. Although Apristogramma are a genus containing many species, they too are members of the cichlid family. Bolivian Rams are larger, but Apistogramma are considered to be more aggressive.
Here are some potential risks of keeping them together:
- Overcrowded substrate in smaller tanks
- Territorial disputes
- Fighting while defending eggs
- Chasing or fin nipping
- Breeding aggression
- Too many males
- Difficulty adjusting to water changes
What Should My Tank Size Be To Put Apistogramma and Bolivian Rams Together?
Please make sure your tank has enough space to house both types of cichlids.
- 20-30 Gallon tank: Only one single fish from either species
- 40-50 Gallon tank: One Apistogramma and One Bolivian Ram
- 55-75 Gallon Tank: Two Apistogramma and Two Bolivian Rams
- Over 75 Gallon Tank: Use your discretion.
Cichlid behavior can be unpredictable. You are the best judge and the only one that can manipulate their environment in your home. If you notice aggression because they have a limited amount of space, then you may have to reduce their numbers or get a larger tank.
Can I Prevent Bolivian Rams and Apistogramma Fighting Over Territory?
You can consider adding more territories to reduce the amount of tension between each species. Males will fight or chase each other more before breeding or during the process of taking care of the eggs in their territory.
Apistogramma may appreciate driftwood or caves to spawn while you can create an area with flat stones or decorations for your female Bolivian ram to lay her eggs. The longer your tank, the more separation can lead to peaceful coexistence.
Do I Need A Pair Of Bolivian Rams With Apistogramma?
A single Bolivian ram with a single Apistogramma will be fine in a 40+ gallon tank. Most people enjoy the social interaction and breeding process of bonded pairs.
If your Bolivian rams have paired up, then introducing one or two Apistogramma will work if you can offer more territorial zones. You do not want the Apistogramma trying to eat the eggs of Bolivian rams.
Two male Bolivian rams may bully a smaller Apistogramma who may not back down. The battle will be for territory only. If a female Bolivian ram has not bonded with the male Bolivian ram, the added Apistogramma may also enter a hostile territory.
How Do I Choose The Right Apistogramma and Bolivian Ram?
The next time you go to your local fish shop, take your time and plan to remain there for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Pay close attention to the Bolivian rams first. The males are more likely to lip lock, head butt or charge at each other.
Female Bolivian rams may swim around without much care. If you notice a male with a blunt or larger forehead next to the rounded breeding tube and pointier head of a female close together, you may have a bonded pair. Pick them.
With Apistogramma, you have many species underneath the genus to choose from. Do so based on your liking, but try not to pick one that is routinely chasing its counterparts. Take your time and you will make a better decision.
Many fish shops will allow their regular customers to exchange fish that didn’t bond well with its tankmates. You should try to develop a regular relationship with one trusted location over time.
What Is The Best Way To Keep Bolivian Rams And Apistogramma Together?
There is only one answer here that stands above the rest. Get a larger tank. A 75 gallon tank will lead you two decorate multiple spaces with plants, driftwood, caves or obstacles to keep your bottom dwelling cichlids busy.
Apistogramma are far less aggressive when they can enjoy their own space and not have to fight over it. Bolivian rams are known to be the most peaceful cichlids and they don’t wish to fight other species unless there is a issue with the location of their eggs being intruded upon.
Bolivian rams do not wish to be disturbed when they are breeding and will not be the aggressors against other species during this time. Your best bet in smaller tank is to keep one of each species. You will not have to worry about breeding or eggs and territories will be far less important.
What Are The Most Popular Types of Apistogramma?
There are over 90 species of Apistogramma. Here are the most common types you can find:
- Apistogramma Cacatuoides
- Apistogramma Agassizii
- Apistogramma Borellii
- Apistogramma Macmasteri
- Apistogramma Hongsloi
- Apistogramma Viejita
- Apistogramma Baenschi
- Apistogramma Elizabethae
- Apistogramma Trifasciata
What Are The Best Tankmates For Apistogramma?
Here are some of the best tankmates for Apistogramma:
- Neon Tetras
- Rasboras
- Pencilfish
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Cardinal Tetras
- Bristlenose Plecos
Which Types Of Fish Are Best To Keep With Bolivian Rams?
Bolivian rams are peaceful, but require plenty of space at the bottom of the tank. Here are some suitable tankmates for them:
- Neon Tetra
- Guppy Fish
- Tiger Barb
- Rummy Nose Tetra
- Dwarf Gourami
Conclusion
Apistogramma could have a space like caves or driftwood to spawn while Bolivian rams will enjoy a flatter, more horizontal surfaces. Keep both spaces on opposite sides of your tank.
If you are not interested in keeping pairs of either species, then a single Apistogramma with a single Bolivian rams should be much easier.
Thank you for visiting HelpUsFish.com. We hope to see you again soon for another article on many marine life we keep in our aquariums as part of the fish keeping community.
Table of Contents
