Is this a Blue Ram? Male or Female?

[Kelly]

I am hoping you guys can help me....I bought this fish the other day and they said it was a Blue Ram. Is it? And do you think it is a male or female? It seems to have a rosey belly, it is small yet, only around an inch or so. They only had this one and I plan on going back to get another when they get more in.

Just want to be sure it is what they said it was. LOL

Thanks!

[scholar]

That is a german blue ram, great colors and it is female. :)

[Kelly]

Really? Oh YAY! :D

I was really hoping it was a German Blue Ram, I have been looking for one for a long time. They are supposed to be getting more in tomorrow so i hope to get another...male.

How did you know it was a female? I want to be sure to get a male for the next one. Is it the rosey belly that let you know it was a female?

Is it best to have pairs?

Thank you so much!
Kelly

[PumaWard]

The rosy belly is one of the better indicators, although there's an exception to every rule. Females will also have blue speckles in their black dots.

Males won't have the speckles in their black dot and they won't have a pink belly. Males, unless they aren't mature, will also have a ray on their dorsal fin longer than the rest, it is usually the 2nd or 3rd ray.


Rams generally do better in pairs, they like each others company (m/f pairs only though). 2 females or 2 males will most likely be in constant battle with each other.

[Kelly]

Thank you so much ! I am hoping to go and get a male for her today. She is really happy in my tank and I am sure will be happier with a male friend. :D

Kelly

[PumaWard]

Just as a note, until a pair bond forms, some nipping and chasing may come about. As long as it's nothing serious (serious would be tails getting shred and what not), don't worry too much about it. You will want to watch them for a few days too to make sure everything is going to be okay.

[vaheelsfan]

How do you tell if the ram is german/asian/whatever?

[scholar]

the German strain is bred for color. A great asian and a poor german would be hard to distinguish.

The Asian is either genetically weak or not raised properly. they are also rather weak.

[Kelly]

Thanks for the heads up on that Pumaward. I did go and get her a male yesterday. I was not 100% when i picked him out that he was a male, the LFS knew nothing about German Blue Rams. But when i got him home he looks alot different then her...more of a long body, not 'tennis racket' shape like the females are, no pink belly, and he only has smudges of blue on his black dot, not the spangles like she does.

I was searching around to find out how they got along or bonded because she is chasing him, and when they do get together they get side by side and twirl around. They are also bumping into each other. They are not bugging each other as much today, so hopefully they will bond before long. how long might it take for them to bond? Is there a chance that they won't?

I am really loving these fish, i am thinking of adding a second tank and having it be a "ram' tank only. They are such gorgeous fish and really fun to watch. :D

Thanks so much for the help. I am going to try to get a picture of my male and see if you all also think it is a male. :)

Thanks!
Kelly