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Rams are probably my favourite Chichild! Small, colourful and have character.
I have problems keeping these for a long time. Think I have had 3 pairs (not in succession), The longest I have had them for is around 9 months. They have all died from what seems, them same symptom. They look and act perfectly healthy and normally but I notice that they seem to be gasping for air with a lot of mouth and gill movement. Once this is observed, they usually die within a couple of weeks. I have tried increased water changes when this is observed but to no avail! Recently lost a Gold Ram from the same thing. Thought it may be the water lacking in oxygen but none of the other fish are affected.

Anyone any ideas??

Thanks.

Gill flukes?? Another fish species causing stress?? More info please.

Difficult to say - Rams are notorious for their short life, I understand this to be only a few short years - what they lack in lifespan they make up for in beauty!

If the Rams are a year old - or whatever, when mature - when they reach you, another year down the line and they might just be reaching their natural end. Add in a weak breeding line and maybe thats enough to make them very susceptible to... well... anything!

Hmmm...natural causes is a possibility. Apart from the syptoms I have already mentioned, there are no other really. Certainly not harrassed by any other fish...

Rams mature around 3 months of age, so a fully mature Ram can actually live out most its life in your tank.

They are really short lived and if you buy adult Rams, natural death is probably going to arrive within the year. It is always best to buy baby rams or juvenile rams. I tihnk their lifespan is anywhere form 2-4 years.



Last edited by Tetra Fan at 07-Aug-2005 17:22