Intro Ram to a Planted tank

[james]

Thinking of adding a Ram (Microgeophagus ramirezi) into a Planted tank.

Is it adavisable to add just one or more?

Mine is a 3ft and other tank mates are Serpa Tetra, Oto, SAE, Cory and Angelfish.

[theodore]

A pair (male + female) will be better IMO. You may get to see them spawn though the fries are unlikely to survive in a community tank - my latest batch got wiped out by my botias and cories after just 3 days.

If you wish to add more in the future, I will recommend that you have 3 or more pairs in the tank to spread out the aggression.

[james]

Thanks theodore.

How to sex Ram? Physical feature(s)?

[theodore]

- 1st few rays of the dorsal fin are elongated in males
- Mature females have rosy bellies

It's a bit hard to tell them apart when they are < 1inch long though.