keeping kribs with rams?
keeping kribs with rams?
I'm running a 110 gallon heavily planted setup, got a breeding pair of kribs in there with about 25 fry, plus some tetras and other fish. Thinking of adding a pair of Rams to the mix - will they get harassed by the other fish, or can they hold their own?
Re: keeping kribs with rams?
I think introducing the Rams is a gamble, but if you're dead set on it, make sure to break up the lines of sight and keep a close eye on things. Separating their territories could work, but it's a long shot. I'd be more worried about the Kribs going after the Rams once they start showing their fry around - those parents can get pretty aggressive. If the Rams were to spawn at the same time, you'd probably have a real mess on your hands.
Re: keeping kribs with rams?
I took a chance on a pair of Kribs and Blue Rams, bought them at the same time, and was assured by the shop they'd get along. The Kribs spawned, and boy, did they defend their territory - kept all the other fish at bay, including the Rams, which were actually bigger. Those Kribs made a beeline for any fish that came near, it was quite a sight. I managed to rescue the fry and then rehomed the Kribs. Now, the community tank seems more at peace.
The baby Kribs are thriving in their own little tank, and the parents are living it up with five Dither fish - they're happy, but no more spawning just yet.
The baby Kribs are thriving in their own little tank, and the parents are living it up with five Dither fish - they're happy, but no more spawning just yet.
Re: keeping kribs with rams?
I've had a similar experience with my kribs and GBRs. The day I added the kribs to my 20 long, they took out my pair of GBRs overnight - no ammonia spike, just the rams missing fins and scales. Microscopy confirmed the fins were removed before they died.
My kribs are pretty aggressive towards anything their size or bigger; smaller fish are generally left alone. When they spawn, they go after anything that gets too close - including the algae magnet and my hand. The bites aren't painful, but it's still not fun.
If you want to keep rams with kribs, I think you'll need a larger tank, at least 4 feet long, with plenty of cover and line of sight breaks. The male rams can be pretty territorial, claiming around a third of the tank. The females are usually easy-going unless they're brooding.
My kribs are pretty aggressive towards anything their size or bigger; smaller fish are generally left alone. When they spawn, they go after anything that gets too close - including the algae magnet and my hand. The bites aren't painful, but it's still not fun.
If you want to keep rams with kribs, I think you'll need a larger tank, at least 4 feet long, with plenty of cover and line of sight breaks. The male rams can be pretty territorial, claiming around a third of the tank. The females are usually easy-going unless they're brooding.
Re: keeping kribs with rams?
Thanks for the input, I think I'll keep the Rams separate from my breeding Kribs. My Kribs have done well in my 110 gallon planted tank, raising their first batch of fry without any issues. Initially, they were quite aggressive towards the other fish, but they've calmed down now that the young ones are independent. The male still has a thing for chasing my dwarf gourami, though - no idea why. I've got a single Blue Ram in a spare 20 gallon long, and I've got a Gold Ram on hold at the LFS. I'm curious to know if anyone thinks breeding these two together would be a good idea.
Re: keeping kribs with rams?
Kribs can be pretty aggressive when they're spawning, I'd advise against it.