Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Species => Dwarf Cichlids => Topic started by: jaypeecee on November 06, 2018, 05:43:07 PM

Title: German Blue Rams and Apistogramma
Post by: jaypeecee on November 06, 2018, 05:43:07 PM
Hi Folks,

I will check this on the CC but is it OK to keep German Blue Rams (GBRs) with Apistogramma species?

Thanks in advance.

JPC
Title: Re: German Blue Rams and Apistogramma
Post by: Sue on November 06, 2018, 06:36:09 PM
It depends on the size of the tank, and also the temperature. In smallish tanks - anything under 4 feet/120 cm long - the males of each species could well come to blows over territorial issues. In bigger tanks there should be enough room for both.

Rams, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi in all it's colour morphs and body/fin shapes, do better in temperatures in the upper 20's, while most apistos need round the 25 deg C mark. Some people find rams to be fine at 25 deg, but some individuals suffer at this temp. It depends just how long ago the last wild ancestor was - a lot of breeders introduce wild ram genes to widen the gene pool, and that could be quite recently.
Title: Re: German Blue Rams and Apistogramma
Post by: Matt on November 06, 2018, 07:07:34 PM
I have them in a 100cm tank and mine do ok, BUT it does depend on the character of the individual fish.

I would also advise thinking about territories and try to define them for the fish to separate the species a little. Think about their breeding preferences as you do this. Rams spawn on smooth flat rocks. You species of apisto may be different... worth some research  :D