Blue Rams (Juveys)

[ct-death]

Okay, a stupid question, but I need to ask it

Do Blue Rams, well ram? Recently I got 2, which I thought was a M/F, but after having them for about a month they have started facing off with each other. They may be all of 2" atm (max)

They start off about 5-6" away, facing each other. They shake their tail fins quickly then ram each other in what I can only describe is "spot on for the video of sheep rams behavior seen on the Discovery channel"! Occasionaly they will lock their mouths together for a brief momment and seperate.

No additions to the tank when this bahavior devloped.

I have not seen any harm come of this, but this occurs on occassion when one will spot the other through a tunnel or in some weeds. 2 minutes later they could be at it again or swimming side by side peacefully...? :huh:

Any thoughts? I suspect that I have 2 Males at this point, but I would love to hear from others on their experiences and whether or not I should return one for a female if they are 2 males?

Physically they look the same and each has a saddle dorsal fin of the same shape. The colors have not developed yet.

Thanks!

 

[ct-death]

Here are some images:

 

[IndianaSam]

In all four pictures, the fish seem to have pink bellies. Maybe that's an artifact of the photography. If it's real, then I'd think that you have two females.

How long have you had them? Feed them well and keep them warm (higher than 82F) and then you can judge better when their colors develop.

Sam

 

[ct-death]

To be perfectly honest, these are old pictures and I am not certain that these may be the same fish...? I will photograph both seperately tonight. They only difference that I have seen is that the dorsal fin on one has a dark bar (almost black at times) on the front nearest the head, wereas the other changes from grey (darkest) to a light tan.

Generally is there any concerns that I should have about this behavior and/or if I have 2 females or 2 males? I have a 75G tank which is moderately vegetated (fake plants), but I offer a lot of hiding places w/ up around a dozen small caves and ledges.

I also keep my tank between 79-81 (depending on room temp).

I got them on March 4th; and man were they small! Maybe a little over an inch. They might be at 2" now, but that's pushing it. I'm assuming 3 to 3.5" is about full size.

Thanks again for the advice and comments