Bolivian Rams are a type of fish that can be kept in a community tank. They are passive and can be mixed with other community fish, but they can be territorial and require some extra space. They are also known to be hardy, with some sources stating that they are hardier than German Blue Rams (GBR). While some PetSmart stores carry GBRs, it is unclear if they carry Bolivian Rams. Some customers have reported purchasing Bolivian Rams from PetSmart, while others have stated that their local PetSmart or PetSmart and PetCo stores in general do not carry them.
What You'll Learn
Bolivian Rams can be purchased online from LiveAquaria
Bolivian Rams, also known as Butterfly Rams or Red Rams, are a colourful and social species of fish. They are golden brown with reddish highlights on the dorsal and caudal fins and pearly turquoise-blue highlights on the pelvic and anal fins. They are known to be peaceful and compatible with other peaceful fish, making them a wonderful addition to a community tank.
If you're looking to purchase Bolivian Rams, you may be wondering if they are available at Pet Smart. While there are mentions of people buying Bolivian Rams from Pet Smart, it appears that the availability of this species may vary across different store locations and over time. In some online forums, people have mentioned that their local Pet Smart stores do not carry Bolivian Rams.
However, if you're specifically interested in purchasing Bolivian Rams online, LiveAquaria is a reputable option. LiveAquaria offers a wide range of aquatic life and has a dedicated section for freshwater fish, including New World Cichlids like the Bolivian Ram.
At LiveAquaria, you can find detailed information about the Bolivian Ram, including their care requirements and temperament. They guarantee that all their aquatic species will arrive alive and in good condition. The website also features customer testimonials, providing first-hand accounts of people's experiences with the Bolivian Rams they purchased from LiveAquaria.
When considering purchasing Bolivian Rams or any other aquatic life, it is important to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and equipment to provide proper care. The care level for Bolivian Rams is designated as "Expert Only" by LiveAquaria, indicating that they may require more advanced husbandry compared to other species.
In conclusion, while Pet Smart may offer Bolivian Rams in some locations, LiveAquaria provides a specialised online platform with detailed information and customer testimonials. Their designation of Bolivian Rams as "Expert Only" underscores the importance of being well-informed before adding these fish to your aquarium.
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Bolivian Rams are hardier than German Blue Rams (GBR)
Bolivian Rams are larger in size than German Blue Rams (GBR). Male Bolivian Rams can grow up to 3.5 to 4 inches, while their female counterparts can reach up to 3 inches in length. On the other hand, male GBRs can only grow up to 2.5 inches, with females being even smaller.
Bolivian Rams are hardier and less delicate than German Blue Rams. They are less demanding when it comes to water values and are better able to withstand changes in water conditions. GBRs, on the other hand, are more delicate and require specific water temperatures and values that fall outside typical aquarium parameters. Bolivian Rams are also less susceptible to diseases than German Blue Rams, which are prone to skin flukes, ich, and even fish tuberculosis.
In terms of diet, both Bolivian Rams and German Blue Rams are omnivores. However, Bolivian Rams are not picky eaters and will eat almost anything, while German Blue Rams are more selective.
When it comes to breeding, Bolivian Rams are better parents than German Blue Rams, which are notoriously poor parents. Bolivian Rams are also harder to sex than GBRs. Additionally, Bolivian Ram fry take longer to mature and grow slower than GBR fry.
In terms of appearance, German Blue Rams have more vibrant and diverse colours, ranging from yellow to orange with green or blue markings. Bolivian Rams, on the other hand, have more subtle colours, including brown, grey, yellow, orange, and black stripes. However, the Bolivian Blue Ram variety is slightly more colourful than the standard Bolivian Ram.
Both Bolivian Rams and German Blue Rams are peaceful fish and can get along with several tank mates. However, it is important to ensure that their tank mates are not aggressive or fin-nipping. Some recommended tank mates for Bolivian Rams include dwarf gouramis, tiger barbs, guppies, rummy nose, and silver dollars. For German Blue Rams, suitable tank mates include discus, dwarf gourami, clown loaches, and Corydoras.
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Bolivian Rams can be kept in a community tank
Bolivian Rams are a peaceful, hardy species native to the Amazon River Basin. They are a great addition to any community tank, but you must be careful when choosing their tank mates. They are known to be peaceful and can coexist harmoniously with various tank mates of similar size, such as Cherry Barbs, Platyfish, and Molly Fish. They are not overly aggressive toward their tank mates and will only show aggression during breeding.
Bolivian Rams are also susceptible to diseases, just like any other fish. They are particularly vulnerable to Ich, which is caused by poor water conditions or an uninhabitable environment. It can also be caused by stress or having an aggressor in the tank.
When it comes to their diet, they are omnivores and will eat anything you give them. In the wild, they sift through the substrate for small organisms and plant material. In captivity, they do well on a diet of dry food, such as sinking pellets, and fresh food, such as earthworms and brine shrimp.
The ideal tank setup for Bolivian Rams is a sandy or muddy riverbed with various plants and shaded sections to replicate their natural habitat. The tank should be at least 30 gallons to provide enough space for them to swim and explore. The water temperature should be maintained between 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with pH levels between 6.0 to 7.5, and water hardness between 0 to 10 dKH.
Overall, Bolivian Rams are a beautiful and peaceful addition to any community tank. With the proper care and tank setup, they can thrive and add a touch of playfulness to your aquarium.
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Bolivian Rams can be purchased from PetSmart
Bolivian Rams, also known as Bolivian Blue Rams, are a type of fish that can be purchased from PetSmart. While they are not available at every PetSmart location, some stores do carry them.
One customer reported that they were able to purchase two Bolivian Rams from a PetSmart in Maryland, and described it as "THE CLEANEST PetSmart" they had bought livestock from. This customer also noted that their local PetSmart in Lycomimg County, Pennsylvania did not carry Bolivian Rams.
Another customer in North Carolina was considering purchasing a Bolivian Ram from PetSmart, but was concerned about the potential for disease in the tanks at big box stores. A different customer from Oregon confirmed that this is a valid concern, but also noted that they had purchased a Bolivian Ram from PetSmart that lived for two years.
In addition to PetSmart, Bolivian Rams can also be purchased from other brick-and-mortar stores like PetCo, as well as online retailers such as LiveAquaria, Trins Fish, Imperial Tropicals, Wet Spot, and Aquabid.
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Bolivian Rams can be purchased from PetCo
Bolivian Rams are a colourful and interesting species of fish, native to South America. They are a popular choice for aquariums, but can be challenging to keep. Rams are territorial and require a large amount of space, as well as excellent water quality. They are best kept in small groups, with sand substrate and plenty of places to hide.
While PetSmart does carry German Blue Rams (GBR), they do not typically stock Bolivian Rams. However, PetCo does sometimes sell Bolivian Rams, although availability may vary by location and season. In January, PetCo often has a $1 per gallon sale, which can be a great opportunity to purchase a larger tank for your Bolivian Rams. It is always a good idea to call ahead and check with your local store to see if they have the fish you are looking for in stock.
If you are unable to find Bolivian Rams at your local PetCo, there are a few other options to consider. One option is to purchase from a reputable online dealer such as LiveAquaria, although they may have a minimum order requirement for shipping. Another option is to look for local breeders or fish clubs in your area, as buying directly from a breeder can increase the chances of getting healthy fish. Some people also recommend checking smaller "mom and pop" fish stores, as they may have a better selection and healthier fish than the big chain stores.
When purchasing Bolivian Rams, it is important to quarantine them before adding them to your main tank, as this will help ensure the health of your new fish and protect your existing fish from any potential diseases. It is also a good idea to have a spare tank set up in case you need to separate your Rams due to aggression or territorial behaviour.
In summary, while PetCo may occasionally carry Bolivian Rams, it is always a good idea to call ahead and check with your local store to ensure availability. There are also other options for purchasing Bolivian Rams, such as online dealers, local breeders, and smaller specialty fish stores. Remember to do your research and provide the proper environment and care for these fascinating fish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, PetSmart does sell Bolivian Rams. However, they are not available in all stores.
Yes, Bolivian Rams are known to be hardy. They are much hardier than German Blue Rams (GBR).
Yes, Bolivian Rams are rather passive and can be mixed with community fish. However, they can be territorial and will need some extra space.