Bolivian Rams And Gold Rams: What's The Difference?

The Bolivian Ram, also known as the Butterfly Ram or Red Ram, is a social freshwater fish that is golden brown in colour with reddish highlights on the dorsal and caudal fins and pearly turquoise-blue highlights on the pelvic and anal fins. It is a peaceful fish and is compatible with other peaceful fish. The German Blue Ram, on the other hand, is a more colourful and harder-to-keep variety of the same species, requiring water in the 80s °F. German Gold Rams, or Golden Rams, are a colour morph of the German Blue Ram and are thus the same species.

Golden and Bolivian rams are different colour variations of the same species

Golden Rams and Bolivian Rams are different colour variations of the same species. Golden Rams are also known as German Gold Rams or Gold Rams, and Bolivian Rams are also called Butterfly Rams or Red Rams.

Golden Rams are a colour morph of the German Blue Ram, which is scientifically known as Microgeophagus ramirezi. The Golden Ram is a plain golden colour with blue flecks, while the German Blue Ram is a rich blue colour. Golden Rams are harder to find in stores and are more expensive than the German Blue Ram.

Bolivian Rams, on the other hand, are scientifically known as Mikrogeophagus altispinosus. They are golden-brown in colour with reddish highlights on the dorsal and caudal fins and pearly turquoise-blue highlights on the pelvic and anal fins. They also have a black 'spot' in the centre of the body and a black line running from the top of the eye to the bottom of the head.

While the two species look different, they can coexist in the same tank as long as it is large enough. A 55-gallon tank should be large enough for two or three Rams, but they will need driftwood, plants, or other decor to establish their own territories. Bolivian Rams are generally considered hardier and easier to care for than German Blue Rams or Golden Rams, as they are less sensitive to water parameters and can adapt to non-native water conditions. They are also more peaceful and less aggressive than other Rams, making them a wonderful addition to a community tank.

Bolivian rams are hardier and easier to keep than golden rams

Bolivian Rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosa) and Golden Rams (also known as German Rams or German Blue Rams) are different species of fish. While they are both types of ram cichlids, they have different care requirements and characteristics.

Bolivian Rams are generally considered to be hardier and easier to keep than Golden Rams. They are less sensitive to water parameters and can adapt to a wider range of water conditions. Bolivian Rams prefer water temperatures of 72-79°F, with a pH of 6.5-7.5, while Golden Rams require warmer temperatures of around 80°F and prefer more acidic water with a pH below 7.

In terms of appearance, Bolivian Rams are golden-brown with reddish highlights on their dorsal and caudal fins and pearly turquoise-blue highlights on their pelvic and anal fins. They have a black spot in the center of their body and a black line running from the top of the eye to the bottom of the head. On the other hand, Golden Rams are known for their bright blue or golden coloration, depending on the variety.

When it comes to behaviour, Bolivian Rams are peaceful and social fish that form pairs and remain faithful to each other. They are compatible with other peaceful fish and can be kept in a community tank. They require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons, with dense plant groups, open swimming space, and caves to hide in. They are omnivores and will consume a variety of foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, flake food, and live brine shrimp.

In contrast, Golden Rams are more territorial and may require a larger tank to establish their own space. They are also more sensitive to water conditions and may require more frequent water changes to maintain optimal water quality.

Overall, Bolivian Rams are a good choice for beginners or hobbyists who want a colourful and social addition to their community tank. They are less demanding than Golden Rams and can tolerate a wider range of water parameters, making them easier to care for and more adaptable to different aquarium setups.

Golden rams are more colourful than Bolivian rams

Golden Rams and Bolivian Rams are two different species of fish. Golden Rams are a colour morph of the German Blue Ram species, whereas the Bolivian Ram is a separate species. Golden Rams are more colourful than Bolivian Rams, with a golden body and blue highlights on the pelvic and anal fins. Bolivian Rams are golden brown with reddish highlights on the dorsal and caudal fins and blue highlights on the pelvic and anal fins.

Golden Rams are known for their vibrant colours, which can include electric blue, golden, or metallic blue. They are a colour morph of the German Blue Ram, which is known for its bright blue colour. While the Golden Ram is a colour variation, it is still the same species as the German Blue Ram and can be kept in the same tank. The cleanliness of the water is more important than the pH when keeping these fish, but they do prefer slightly acidic water. Golden Rams are also known to be hardy fish that are relatively easy to care for.

On the other hand, Bolivian Rams are less colourful than Golden Rams, but they are known for their personality and character. They are social fish that form pairs and remain faithful to each other. They are also peaceful fish that can be kept with other community fish. Bolivian Rams require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons, with dense plant groups, open swimming space, and caves to hide in. They prefer soft to medium water hardness, neutral pH, and slightly raised water temperatures. While they are not as colourful as Golden Rams, they are easier to care for and more adaptable to different water conditions.

In summary, Golden Rams are more colourful than Bolivian Rams due to their bright blue, golden, or metallic colour variations. However, Bolivian Rams have their own unique colouring and are known for their personality and ease of care. Both species of fish have their advantages and can be a great addition to a freshwater aquarium.

Bolivian rams are compatible with a wider range of fish than golden rams

Golden Rams are also more sensitive to water parameters and require soft water with a low pH, whereas Bolivian Rams are more adaptable and can tolerate a wider pH range. Bolivian Rams are native to waters that are slightly acidic, with a recommended pH range of 6 to 7.5, but they can also be kept in water with a pH of 8.2 without issues.

Bolivian Rams are also hardier and easier to care for than Golden Rams. They are less sensitive to water parameters and can be kept with Corydoras catfish, Kuhli loaches, and Plecos. They are also more likely to tolerate bottom-dwelling fish like Corydoras.

Golden Rams, on the other hand, are more difficult to keep alive and are more expensive. They require a well-established tank of at least six months or older, and it is recommended to buy them from a breeder to ensure healthier fish.

In terms of appearance, Golden Rams are more colourful than Bolivian Rams, which are often considered less colourful and less attractive. However, Bolivian Rams have been described as having more personality and being fun to watch. They are also known for their faithfulness to their partners and are peaceful fish that make a wonderful addition to a community tank.

Golden rams are a colour morph of the German blue ram

Golden rams are a colour variation of the German blue ram that has been selectively bred in Germany and popularised worldwide in the aquarium trade. They have a bright yellow/gold body with neon blue and red highlights. Golden rams are hardy and compatible with many other species in a spacious tank. They require similar care to German blue rams, including high temperatures of 78.8° - 86° F (26° - 30° C) and a pH of 6.0 - 7.0.

Golden rams and German blue rams are both colour morphs of the same species, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, and have the same care requirements. The main difference between the two is their colouration. Golden rams are a yellow/gold variant with neon blue and red highlights, while German blue rams have a yellow-green body with blue dots and red and yellow fins with black edging.

In addition to the golden and German blue varieties, there are also electric blue and black versions of the ram cichlid. The body shape can vary, with regular, long-fin, and balloon shapes available.

Frequently asked questions