Bolivian or German

[Chenay83]

Can someone tell me exactly what the fish are? Bolivians or Germans.

 

[absolutangel04]

Those fish are Germans. Definitely.

 

[Chenay83]

here's a better picture

 

[Chenay83]

I was told that 1 of them was a german and 3 were bolivians.

 

[Chenay83]

The 1 in the middle is the only 1 that looks bolivian to me.

 

[fishman3]

pretty positive that there's 3 Germans and 1 Bolivian

 

[absolutangel04]

You are refering to the one in the middle with the dots along its side rather than the one dark dot? It still looks rather German to me. This is just my guess, but I honestly think its quite likely that the ram in question could be a German/Bolivian cross. I do not think its a straight Bolivian.

 

[Chenay83]

Well I paid for Bolivians. I didn't want Germans because I was told they had very demanding water needs and I was brand new to the cichlid world. But I have had these fish for three months without any problems. Its just not what I paid for. Do Bolivians and Germans really cross breed???

 

[Fishkeeper26]

I think theyre all Germans, I'm not seeing any red fins or tan bodies like Bolivians have

 

[Chenay83]

So I am indeed looking at Geramans. Everyone agree?

 

[Gboy66]

I think theyre all Germans, I'm not seeing any red fins or tan bodies like Bolivians have

I dont know, check out the first picture. I see red fins.

I think possibly 1 bolivian, 3 german?

 

[bruinsbro1997]

They're all GBRs IMO. I don't believe that Bolivians and GBRs cross-breed.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Yeah but it's only the tip of the dorsal fin, IME most have red fins on the bottom too

 

[Chenay83]

Well its nice to know I'm not the only one who is slightly confused.

 

[absolutangel04]

Yes, Bolivians and Germans will cross breed readily.

 

[absolutangel04]

Here is a thread where a member has bred Bolivians and Germans together. After I learned this, I looked into it more and found more instances of them cross-breeding. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f70/rams-showcase-175147.html
I am not saying for sure yours is a mix, but it might be a possibilty. I am just saying that because of the lack of defining black side dot like Germans have. Instead it has those few lighter lateral line dots and a more brown body. I think its more likely yours is just a GBR though.

 

[B Phishin]

Those are all GBR's. No question about it. I've had 3 mating couples over the past 2 years and have seen all shades of GBR's, because they can sometimes lose their color and regain it, in an instant. Their colors will vary based on water temp, pH, spawning habits, and tank mates. GBR's fo' sho' - IMO they are way cooler than Bolivians anyways!

 

[Chenay83]

Ok at least I know what I have. But if these are germans I figured they should've been dead by now, they are in very hard water. Like 8.5 should I leave it that way or slowly start to change it? They have been in there for 3 months at least.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Leave stable pH is always better

 

[Chenay83]

Ok I guess that makes sense I must be doing right.