Re: basic care of Papiliochromis Ramerizi

[Mike & Diane Wise <apistowise@fgn.net>]

Chris,

I have no positive way to sex the Bolivian Ram (M. altispinosus) at the size
they are sold commercially. Extensions on the caudal and dorsal fins can be
unreliable. Once they are fully grown, about 1 year old, the males have a
slightly more slender appearance. The belly profile is more straight. The
Orinoco Ram (M. ramirezi) can't be positively sexed by the extensions of the
dorsal and caudal fin rays either. The best way to sex them is to look at the
black blotch on the flanks of the fish. On males this blotch is stretched
vertically and has only a few blue scales along the outer margins. On females
this blotch is more rounded and has many more blue scales showing throughout the
blotch.

Mike Wise

Chris Jewell wrote:

> Whilst we are on the subject, does anyone have reliabel sexing data for
> Papiliochromis altispinosa?
>
>  After a deal of reading (and looking at my own fish) I know the common ram
> "pink belly, extended 3rd / 4th dorsal ray" does not apply. I've been using
> extensions / filaments on the tail and dorsal fins to sex my pair. is this a
> correct method, or am I just picking up on common differences in fish? I'm
> assuming the slightly larger fish with these fin extensions and stronger
> colouration is the male.
>
> Cheers
>
> Chris
>
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