Are you looking for a new fish to add to your tank? If so, you may be wondering if the Bolivian Ram or the German Blue Ram is the right choice for you. These fish are popular choices for aquariums, but they have some distinct features.
In this post, we’ll look at both of these fish and help you decide which one is right for you. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to make an informed decision about which one to add to your tank. So, let’s get started.
Bolivian Ram vs. German Blue Ram: What’re the differences
The Bolivian Ram and German Blue Ram are relatively easy to care for, even for beginners. Furthermore, they are beautiful fish with a vivid and light yellow hue on their bodies.
As their name suggests, they are from the same family, thus having rather similar personalities and behaviors that members of Cichlids have. So, what are the main differences between these two fish?
Apprearance
Size is one clue that distinguishes these two fish from each other. The Bolivian Ram grows to be larger than 3 inches in length, while the German Blue Ram grows about 2 inches in length.
When placed together in a tank, you can identify them by comparing their sizes; the Bolivian ones are a tad larger than the German rams. But, that’s not the only thing that tells them apart.
Another critical difference is coloration. The Bolivian Ram is typically a silver color with blue markings, while the German Blue Ram is typically a blue color with gold and white markings.
Thus, the German Rams are considered to be more colorful and vibrant than the former, even though they are both gorgeous creatures.
Behavior
Even though they have rather peaceful personalities, their typical behaviors have some slight differences.
The Bolivian Ram is generally a peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish in the tank. It has a unique swimming pattern, as it shakes the body a few times and suddenly stops all movements.
Furthermore, this fish is pretty smart since it can interact with the movement of our fingers.
The German Blue Ram, on the other hand, can be a bit more aggressive and daring. However, it does not have a distinct moving pattern like the Bolivian ones.
It’s important to do your research before adding either of these fish to your tank to make sure they will get along with the other fish you have.
Below are some tank mates suitable for Bolivian Ram:
- Rummy nose
- Guppies
- Tiger barbs
- Emperor Tetras
- Silver dollars
- Platies
If you plan to get the colorful German Blue Ram, here’re some tank mates you can consider to ensure a harmonious living space:
- Discus
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Silver Dollars
- Neon Tetras
- Corydoras
- Rummynose Tetras
Care and Diet
It’s important to make sure you provide both of these fish with a diet that meets their nutritional needs.
The Bolivian Ram eats both plant and animal matter. They are not picky eaters, thus a tad easier to care for.
The German Blue Ram, on the other hand, often prefers freeze-dried food. You cannot just give them anything like with the Bolivian Ram, as they like bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, sinking pellets, and cyclops.
Both the Bolivian Ram and the German Blue Ram are considered easy to care for. They are both relatively hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
The Bolivian Ram can live in cold water; the varying water conditions, including pH levels, do not affect this fish much.
Meanwhile, you want to adjust the temperature for German Blue Ram to around 75 – 85° F, meaning it should be relatively warm. Furthermore, the fish prefer a pH level of 6 – 7.5 to thrive.
Ease of breeding
According to all the above mentioned differences between the two rams, you might already have a good idea which one is easier to breed. The answer is the Bolivian Ram, as they can form bonds between individuals without requiring help from the owner.
Meanwhile, German Blue Ram does not like other competing males in the same environment when breeding.
Which fish should You Choose?
Both the Bolivian and German Blue Ram make great additions to any aquarium; they are also both very active swimmers and make great additions to a community tank.
If you are looking for a fish that is relatively easy to care for, then the Bolivian Rams should be a tad more favorable choice. However, if you are looking for a little more colorful and vibrant fish, then the German Blue Rams should decorate your tank beautifully.
The Bolivian Ram should allow you to breed easily. However, if you are looking for a slightly more delicate fish, then the German Blue Ram would be the better choice, but it is not recommended for beginners.
Conclusion
Do you prefer the bright blue of the German Blue Ram or the more subdued colors of the Bolivian Ram? Whichever fish you choose, you’re sure to have a beautiful addition to your aquarium!
It depends on what you are looking for in a fish and what you are willing to put into caring for it. No matter which fish you choose, do your research and make sure they will be compatible with the other fish in your tank.
I grew up with a fish tank in my house, and my parents would take me to the local aquarium every chance they got. This passion led me to start NationalparkAquarium.org, which I use to share my love and passion.
