Topic: M. altispinosa or M. ramirezi

[Pam]

German Rams, Bolivian Rams or Blue- Goldie Rams

I am considering finding some Rams for a tank. I have been reading up but I am still a little stumped what is the major differences between them?

Anyone have any to comment or had them in the past?

[bungalowbettaback]

I have kept Bolivian they are supposed to be more hardy than their "cousin" the germans, I loved them and will consider them in the future again.  I compiled some info years back that is on this website in the articles section under species profiles...Those are pics of my Bolivan Rams

[dalto]

They are actually quite different fish.

altispinosus are larger, more peaceful and will thrive in neutral water.

ramirezi are smaller, more colorful, more aggressive and is ideally suited to softer water.  But the biggest challenge with this fish is finding good stock.  It has developed a reputation for being fragile mostly because there is such a proliferation of low quality stock in the marketplace.

[Pam]

I would like to ask a further question for those in the know

Is the Long Fin Blue Ram just a long finned version of the German Blue Ram?

[Pam]

Well I guess no response as no one can add any additional info,
I am finding the Balloon, Long Fin, and Angel types as well as the different color mophs Gold and Electric Blue are not natural, so their would be man made hybrids through selective breeding.
I imagine  M. altispinosa  or   M. ramirezi could be used to produce any of the above but most likely the M. Ramirezi and additional hormones to produce the most attractive and colorful fish. No judgment here, I have several here of the long fin and the gold and I am finding they are doing the best in the water perimeters of the  M Ramirezi.

[Cholly]

I'd have responded if I knew anything about them, but I've never actually kept them or even known someone personally that had.

[Pam]

Sorry sounded a bit sarcastic, but really not meant too be. I just keep adding info as I experience or learn it. I do appreciate the previous comments as that is how we all learn something new everyday.

I am lucky to have had at least four of each, GBR, LFR, GR and have been experimenting with temps and water qualities. I am finding they can survive in lesser quality waters, but when stressed ( chased by spawning couples), several succumbed to fungus ( no microscope available) beneath their chins and bottom lip and perished with in three days. Not sure if it was a genetic stock issue or not.

I have found the surviving ones (4 out of 12) do prefer discus-quality like water, which leads to me to hopeful answer my own question and I believe they are part of the M. ramirezi family. In discus quality water (warm-soft-slow) they are quite beautiful and active, but perhaps both kinds would benefit from such waters.

Totally unscientific, I know, just my experience.

[Cholly]

Totally unscientific, I know, just my experience.

Experience is generally one of the best teachers... IME 
Seriously, experience counts for a lot. Look at the want ads. They're that way for a reason.

[Lynda B]

I would've liked to have read more about the GBR's as I'm very attracted to them.