Are you looking to stock your tank with more Bolivian Rams? Will it lead to fights and overcrowding? In this article, we’ll dive into the details to make it possible for you to keep more Bolivian Rams.
How Many Bolivian Rams Can You Keep Together? 6 Bolivian rams in a 75 gallon tank will work if they can successfully pair up or if there are separated territories for them to spawn and enjoy. It’s important to be able to tell the two sexes apart and prevent overcrowding. Fighting is usually harmless and only ritualistic during breeding periods or territorial disputes.
Can I Keep 2 Male Bolivian Rams?
Although males can be more aggressive, two male Bolivian rams will not be aggressive towards each other if there is no female to fight over. A female wants the male to be strong and suitable for breeding. She will pair up with the male who wins the right to mate with her.
If there are no females, the two males will not be aggressive in a spacious tank that has more than one area to rest, hide or relax away from bright lights and other tankmates. The fighting is not very aggressive. More often than not, it’s rather tame.
Are Bolivian Rams Aggressive?
No. People love to keep Bolivian rams because of their peaceful nature. They are bottom dwellers and do not wish to compete for food at the surface or middle of the tank. They are not predatory by nature and prefer to sift through the substrate.
The only forms of aggression come from chases, lip locking to fin nipping when two males are trying to see who will get the chance to breed with a female. A female may get aggressive with a male during her test to make sure he is strong enough for her and her fry.
Do Bolivian Rams Need To Be In A Pair?
You can keep a single Bolivian ram in a 20-30 gallon tank, but you may be doing a disservice. They do like to pair up to breed and protect their fry. Once the initial ritual of pairing up is complete, you will notice that their temperament will become even more peaceful.
They may try to protect their eggs, but the pair of them will not go out of their way to chase nearby tankmates aggressively. Sometimes they aren’t able to pair when a female continuously chases the males away and cannot be compatible.
Do Bolivian Rams School Together?
Bolivian rams do not need to school together or shoal in times of stress. They stay away from aggression by lurking at the bottom of the tank and avoiding conflict.
You can add 6-8 Bolivian rams in a tank, but don’t expect them to hang out together. They may separate into pairs and define their own zones. They don’t need caves to spawn eggs, but they would enjoy sperate territories with decorations, driftwood or obstacles like stones to call their own.
Can I Keep Multiple Female Bolivian Rams Together?
Bolivian rams are very peaceful cichlids compared to many of their counterparts. All females or all makes work well if you are not interested in breeding them.
If there is not competition for mating, then you will notice the females interacting peacefully, but not schooling together. They will spend their time sifting through the substrate in peace and comfort if your tank is large enough.
How Much Space Does A Bolivian Ram Need?
A single Bolivian ram requires 20-30 gallons of water in a tank on its own. If you decide to add more Bolivian rams, consider 10 more gallons of space for each additional ram. Keep in mind that Bolivian rams are larger than German blue rams.
- 1 Bolivian ram: 20-30 Gallon tank
- 2 Bolivian Rams: 40 Gallon tank
- 3-4 Bolivian Rams: 50-60 Gallon tank
- 5-6 Bolivian Rams: 70-80 Gallon tank
Can Bolivian Rams Breed with German Blue Rams?
Bolivian rams cannot breed with German blue rams, but they can coexist peacefully. The problem lies in the water temperature differences.
Ideal water temperatures for each particular species are as follows:
- Bolivian Rams: 74–78ºF
- German Blue Rams: 80-84ºF
Bolivian rams are slightly larger and more hardy. German blue rams are more delicate and require warmer waters. The pH needs to slightly more acidic and the water should be slightly softer for German blue rams.
They will not breed together. Consider adding more Bolivian rams instead of mixing the two types of fish together. Do not be concerned about aggressiveness if they are able to have enough spaces to explore and rest in.
Do Bolivian Rams Fight?
Bolivian rams are social and peaceful. They will not school together, but they may pair up. During the pairing process, you may notice two males tussling or a female chasing a male around. These initial conflicts do not usually lead to harm or wounds.
These temperaments calm down in a couple of days so do not be overly concerned. If one female refuses to pair up, she may end up chasing all the males around and prove to be antisocial. If you are able to exchange her for a another Bolivian ram, you can try to do so at your local fish shop.
How Can I Tell The Difference Between A Male And A Female Bolivian Ram?
It will be hard to tell the sexes apart at first when they are younger. Pretty soon, you will notice more differences.
Male Bolivian Rams Tend to Have:
- A tiny dot on its breeding tube
- Breeding tube is angled and smaller
- A bigger or blunt forehead
- Longer and more pointed dorsal, anal, and tail fins with longer trailers.
- Smaller Overall
Females Bolivian Rams Tend To Have:
- A thicker button on its breeding tube
- Breeding tube is more vertically oriented
- Pointed or symmetrical head
- Rounded dorsal and anal fins
- Larger overall
Which Fish Can Live With Bolivian Rams?
Since Bolivian rams are peaceful and not very large, consider stocking similar sized fish with equal temperaments if possible. The following fish would be suitable tankmates for Bolivian rams:
- Silver Dollar fish
- Emperor Tetras
- Rummy Nose Tetras
- Kuhli Loaches
- Cory Catfish
- Dwarf Gourami
- Cherry Barbs
- Guppies
Thank you for visiting HelpUsFish.com and see you again soon for another article on Bolivian rams or any other fish you are interested in!
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