Spawning Bolivian Rams

[Rjb3]

The Bolivian Ram (mikrogeophagus altispinosa) is a hearty fish that will spawn in a community setting.

I purchased seven young fish and grew them out in a 46 bow front. Tank mates were Angels, Cory catfish, Cardinal tetras, and BN Plecos. I love young fish as they grow out and form pairs. Three pairs formed. Not my kind of luck, usually. BTW, that combination of fish makes a beautiful South American tank.

No special needs, just water and food. The temperature kept at or around 78-79 seemed to suit their needs. I use softened well water in all my tanks and they seem to do fine.  Several different rocks and slates were used for them to spawn on. They seemed to especially like a P-40 airplane decoration. Some Java Moss was placed in and around the tank, some just above the wing of the plane. They also liked an Angel breeding slate 2" X 12", but only used the bottom three inches.

When the pairs spawned they normally produced 40-60 eggs. Some spawns were slightly larger. I removed the eggs taking care to keep them submerged never allowing the air to touch the eggs. To do this you need several different size containers use only for fish. A two quart pitcher and a 16 oz. tumbler are the sizes I use most.

The eggs were placed in a cycled ten gallon with a foam filter. An air stone was placed directly above them. No anti-fungal treatment was ever used. ie. Acriflavine or Methylene Blue.

They hatched in a few days and were free swimming shortly after. I started them on micro worms and powdered flake. Small feedings twice a day. That was in my pre-foodmaking days. They have lots of choices now. I always change water twice a day at a rate of 20% when raising fry of any kind.

At about a half inch in length I would move them to a larger tank. I grew them out together with Angelfish in a fifty-five due to space constraints. One needs to take care that the young fish are getting enough to eat, with a hungry bunch of Angels around. Rams don't spend much time at the surface, so you need to get food down to them. To accomplish this I would feed the Angels on the far right of the tank away from the filter return water. Then I placed food in the return water. That food swirled down to the waiting Rams. After a few days, when I approached the tank I felt like Moses parting the Red Sea. Angels to the right, Rams to the left. I still smile when I think of those days.

The Bolivian Ram was and still is one of my love at first sight fish. I've enjoyed them for years.

[Mugwump]

Thanks, Bob....nice post. I like the Bolivian Rams too. Pretty little fish. I didn't realize that they would lay on about anything....the moss is for the new fry to hide, right?...how do you anchor yours??

[Rjb3]

In that tank the moss was attached to artificial plants creating a moss cave above the airplane. I guess the fry could have hid in the moss, but I pulled the eggs for maximum survival. I've got pics tied up in the old computer.

[Jdmcfast]

Thanks a lot Bob I think you answered all of my questions


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[Rjb3]

If there's ever a time when you have a question, do not hesitate to ask.

[P4Angels]

We have had them spawn in our 55 community tank.   They did well for the first couple days then they where gone.   I think our BN's found them. 

I got my first pairs from BOB at the QC swap and have had them ever since.  Thanks Bob for the AWESOME post  and a passion for a little fish...

[Rjb3]

Thanks, I try. And I do have a passion for the fish hobby.

[Mugwump]

Thanks, I try. And I do have a passion for the fish hobby.

Yes you do..... ...and it's a wonderful thing...