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I had a bolivian ram, and just added another with a pair of gold rams.

From the get go, the bigger bolivian ram didnt like the new little one, he chases him around, especially feeding time.

When I added the 2 gold rams, they were fine, hanging out with eachother for a few days and what not. Now i notice, they are facing off, attacking eachother on the mouth.

Is this normal?

do you think I have 2 pairs of males?

Sounds like you have a pair of gold male rams. Generally, you can sex rams as they get older as the first spines in the dorsal fin are elongated in males with that fin becoming more pointed and developing a "whip". Female blue rams often develop a pink side spot on their stomachs but it is not the best indicator as males sometimes also display the spot. Gold rams are more difficult.

Male rams will often face off an inch to several inches apart and feign attacks. They develop a greater degree of territoriality as they get older. I personally like the little macho displays.

With your bolivian ram, the aggression may simply be due to size differential. You did not mention any head-to-head confrontations.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

thanks! The bolivians are getting along better, no chasing anymore, and they were both nibbling off the same pellet, so I think they are getting to know eachother better.

With the gold ones, they are so small still I cant tell, but they are doing the face to face fights, and flaring up at eachother. One is a lot brighter than the other though, not sure if that means anything.

They sure are fun to watch while they show eachother who is boss, i just dont want anyone getting hurt! It doesnt look like anyone is doing any damage, at least, so far.

Since you describe them as small, the displays are a little like kittens stalking and attacking one another - playing to develop life skills. Unless your tank is very small, the fish should be fine!

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

thanks, i hope so!

the lighter one didnt make it. the other stressed him out so much that he stopped eating and lost color. He is no longer with us

So sorry for the Ram that you lost.
Today i lost a Yellow Lab. aswell & i think that she have been holding fry.
Really sad.


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