A local petshop has what looks like bolivian rams in two adjacent tanks. In one tank they are listed as altispinosus (scientific name of bolivian ram) for under $4 and in the other tank they are listed as ruby top cichlids for about $5.50. The only difference between the fish is that the ruby tops are a little darker in coloration. I have read about someone purchasing ruby tops and later identifying them as bolivian rams and I have read that female bolivian rams are darker in coloration than the males. From all this I have figured that the fish supplier is separating their bolivian rams by sex and selling the females at a higher price. Am I right? Has anyone here ever seen fish listed as ruby top cichlids for sale and are they the same as bolivian rams? Are female bolivian rams darker in coloration? Thanks.
