Ram Question

[georgedv]

I have a couple of questions. First, are GBRs harem breeders? I have a male and two females in a 20 long. Each female is situated on opposit ends of the tank. The male courts both of them equally and the females seem to get along.

Second, I have another female in another tank (was the third female) and she got roughed up. Her " forehead " is white, but I can't see any signs of infection. To play it safe, and since these are "delicate" fish can I give her a salt bath, and for how long? Also, what other meedicin can I use to treat this fish?

Thank you for all your help
george

 

[Mike Wise]

M. ramirezi forms breeding pairs, for at least one spawning cycle. In this respect they are not strictly monogamous. Partners sometimes split and choose new breeding partners. In an artificial environment with plenty to eat and no predators, male sometime (very rarely) will breed with 2 females.

Salt shouldn't be too stressful on your Ram. Personally, if there is no sign of fungus or infection, I prefer to use clean water and a quiet tank. I let the fish's natural immune system do the work. I would suggest warmer temperatures (84°F/29°C) if it isn't that high right now.

 

[LEFTCOAST]

Hi. I don't know if this helps. I've been doing lots of research on my favorite dwarf cichlids, but I'm no expert. If I'm wrong in my thinking, I don't mind being educated.

We know that Rams like high temps, very soft, very acid water. I read that if kept in the Ram's optimum water conditions, it is very difficult for water bacteria to grow. (Also makes biological filtration unreliable)

If a Ram is injured, is the infection we would worry about bacterial? If so, would giving the injured Ram very soft, very acid water, up the temperature to where they truly like it (guessing at least 84 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), and giving maybe 50% water changes be the winning formula? It seems to me that it would help keep bacterial infection at bay, and also give the Ram super comfortable water conditions at the same time, which would promote health/recovery.

Apologize if my sentence structure is bad. It's late at night.

Thought?

 

[Mike Wise]

I agree with optimum water conditions, but Rams in the wild - being from the Llanos of northern South America - need to adapt to variable water values. It is rare that wild Rams are found in highly acidic, super-soft water. It doesn't occur in the Llanos. Also, I have a paper somewhere that describes how different nitrifying bacteria species take on the job of oxidizing ammonia, depending on pH values. These bacteria are in all tanks and 'blossom' when the pH values meet their liking.