Holland Rams?

[OIF03VET]

Hello,

This is my first post on this website. I have a question about Rams.
I saw some at the fish store advertised as Holland Rams. The look a little different than my German Rams. They had a little more color and their shape was a bit more streamlined. They had a rim of red on the edge of all of their fins. Has anyone heard of these? If so can they breed with Germans? Thanks for the help.

Karl

 

[Cathy G]

Hi Karl,

My guess is that they are the same fish as yours, only bred in Holland. (Microgeophagus ramirezi - is their old name!) My blue rams also have red tinged fins... the streamlined effect could be because they are skinny. Or, the rams you bought previously were just plumper more solid looking rams.

If you are sure they aren't the same fish, check out pictures of the Bolivian Rams - Microgeophagus altispinosa. These guys aren't blue however...

Cathy

Welcome to the forum!

 

[OIF03VET]

Cathy,

Thank you for the reply. I think your first idea of it being a skinny ram is the answer. I am somewhat familiar with the Bolivian and it definately didnt look like that. I am tempted to buy one but I dont want to pay 6.95 for a skinny fish. They were rather beautiful though.

Karl

 

[Cathy G]

I dont want to pay 6.95 for a skinny fish. They were rather beautiful though.

Back when I had to buy them from the lfs, I had to pay over 10$ for skinny ones! (They fatten up with good water, 86 degree temps and high protein food...)

Cathy

 

[OIF03VET]

You keep them at 86 degrees? I had mine in that warm of water since that is what all my tanks were set at for my discus. I recently brought it down to 82 after deing told that they like it there. Should I move the temp back up?

 

[Cathy G]

Whatever you want to do. I keep my young ones at 82 because it seems to keep their aggression issues down. But, the mature ones are at 86 and other breeders keep them at 89. (You do have to make sure they have adequate oxygen at these temps.
Cathy