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I just lost one of a pair of Bolivian Rams and I was wondering if I could get a pair or several pairs of Ram Cichlid "Apistogramma Rramirezi".

All the 5ft tank detals are in My Profile.

Thanking you

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Keith

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I think you'll find the clowns, pictus , and sharks are a bit much for fish as timid as ramerezi, they will be hopelessly submissive in a tank with that company, you may never see the best of them. I might go for something bigger and a little better able to command space, also something with a less timid feeding style, maybe a small relatively peaceful acara.I saw a few shots of your tank before, and I remember thinking then, that the bolivians were a little off colour, maybe intimidated by the sheer size of their cagemates, and I dont think blues would do any better, probably worse.Blues are more motivated toward territory, but like the bolivians, have little firepower to back it up, and the clowns and sharks cruising through will probably annoy them no end.

Maybe something a little chunkier?

Thank you Longhairedgit
Which variety would you recommend?
Does any one have a photo of a small peaceful variety.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Try checking out some of the dwarf cichlids in the family laetacara. Some very good and much overlooked fish in that family.

One other thing to keep in mind is that -- while Venezuelan Rams can be among the most beautiful of freshwater fish -- they are also, unfortunately, among the most delicate. They pretty much demand temperatures distinctly warmer than those for your usual tropical (about 29 C.) or they bcome terribly susceptible to infections -- and for that reason, a lot of them are in precarious shape by the time you see them in a store. They also demand high-quality, very clean water. Bolivian Rams, from what I hear, are less beautiful but also distinctly tougher.

Today I was in a quality fish store looking for a pair of Rams or other Apistogramma. Just as BruceMoomaw heard, I too was told that the Bolivian was more 'forgiving' of conditions. To their credit, they still wanted to know about my water and tested a sample to help us decide on Apistogramma / Microgeophagus ramirezi. This was based on the water and the other fish I have and am planning on.