Bolivian Rams breeding question

G

Gillibeanz

AC Members
Apr 7, 2008
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I purchased a couple of Bolivian Rams just over 2 weeks ago which ive never had. They are not very big- about 3cm so they must be youngsters, and they looked identical so I didnt know if they were male or female. They didnt get on at all at first, one rammed and chased the other constantly. I was on the verge of returning one to the shop when it suddenly all changed! Peace prevailed and the bully got more colourful and was displaying to the other. The other one would occasionally go over and gently peck the former bully! I didnt take much notice as they both had suddenly developed what appeared to be an oviposter so I assumed they were both females! This morning I came down to find one guarding a batch of eggs that had been laid on a ledge of my 3 D background. I take this one to be the male as it is more coloured than the other?

My question is from reading up on web sites they say they pair for life and share the guarding of the eggs, but the male wont let the female near and chases her away! Is this normal? Also does it mean that hostilities will be resumed again now?
 
From my experience they don't really pair for life - more like they pair for a time and often get back together. Mine spawned rather irregularly, and sometimes they clearly didn't like each other.
 
yeah mine, were inseperable for a while, then last night they apparently got into a fight over a sinking wafer and since then the female has been very agressive towards the male, chasing and attacking him nonstop, i dont know what to do
 
I believe rams are harems rather than pairs for life, from what I have read here. Mine havent paired up yet so I dont exactly know how the process works but I agree that they arent always so nice to each other.
 
Eggs have disappeared now. I know that the fry are moved when hatched but the one that was on guard 24 hours a day is now swimming around the tank ignoring everyone so I guess they have been eaten!

Does anyone know if they only lay eggs if there is a male and female or is it possible I have 2 females and one laid eggs anyway?
 
It is possible that a female will lay eggs without a male present. However, the behavior you describe is right up the Bolivian Ram alley. That is just how they behave.

Eggs will hatch in 3 or so days and then they will move them to a pit. The hatchlings are unable to swim, they wiggle and are very hard to see in the gravel. Are they hanging over one spot in particular? If so, they might still be guarding fry. 5 days after hatching they will become free swimmers and will need food.

If they are young, this is probably their first spawn. Give them time and good foods and they will spawn again. I've never had Bolivians harem spawn, they couple up but get into squabbles with each other at times. That is not to say they won't harem spawn, just I've never seen it. (I have 4 couples in various community set-ups).

The lip locking is fun to watch, they never really hurt each other. Just push each other around a bit.

Cathy
 
No sadly no sign of any guarding now. Ive read up on all the sexing threads I can find but there doesnt seem to be any difference in them at all now, not even colour they are both very colourful - no difference in fins, tail, or spikes which is why Im thinking they are both female. Also the fact that only one stood guard over the eggs and wouldnt let the other anywhere near - is this usual for a pair?
 
Yes, that is usual for a pair. Sometimes they will cooperate and work together, but other times they squabble and don't let the other one help. They will spawn again.. it is hard to see the difference between the two sexes. Do a search for Blairo and see if you can find his thread with pictures.
Cathy
 
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