Angel (or Balloon) Rams? Ever heard of them?

**fishmommie** · 08-15-2012, 09:38 PM

Found a new LFS today. VERY big variety of fish and staff seemed pretty knowledgeable. Tanks were immaculate. First time I've seen tanks marked with an aggression scale. 0 means non aggressive, 0 half filled in - semi -aggressive, 0 filled in very aggressive. thought that was a nice touch.

Anyway --- they had a tank labeled Angel Rams - adorable! I googled because I hadn't heard of them and found info on Angel or Balloon Rams.
Has anyone had any experience with this fish? I'm very tempted to add them to my stocking list for my 90 gal community.

thanks

**ScottishFish** · 08-15-2012, 10:01 PM

Yeah I've looked at them, basically they are a highly inbred strain of German Blue Rams, bred for their balloon shape. They are the same species as GBR's.

I'd stay away from them, I don't like mega inbred lines, also their goofy look aint my cuppa tea

**fishmommie** · 08-15-2012, 10:15 PM

thanks for the info. I'll probably take a pass on them. They're pretty pricey too.
But I disagree with you on how they look. These were adorable. LOTS or coloration and markings and they were just babies - only around 1 - 1/2 inches. Cute, cute, cute :o)
THANKS

**pjaldave** · 08-16-2012, 06:33 AM

Yea, when they grow up you're gonna hate them. They look like fish with dropsy that just cant swim!

**fishmommie** · 08-16-2012, 01:31 PM

oh drat. That's pretty sad. thanks again, guys, for the heads up and the info.
knew I could count on good info here.

**Azurescriber** · 08-16-2012, 04:10 PM

I was VERY tempted myself until I did the research...the ones in my store were bright yellow and blue, and not that ballooney, but I didn't want to risk it.

**fishmommie** · 08-16-2012, 04:15 PM

Yeah - the ones in the LFS were really sweet. I don't want to risk it though. Knew I would find my answer here.

**Lady Hobbs** · 08-16-2012, 05:52 PM

I don't care for the looks of the balloon anythings. They look like they rammed into the glass and shoved their guts out of place. :)

**fishmommie** · 08-16-2012, 07:48 PM

LOL.
Must be they get that way when they mature. The ones I saw just looked like 'bigger' rams. Not mishapen at all, just larger. Wish now that I'd snapped some photos.
If they get deformed as they grow though, I don't want any part of that :o(

**Evilash** · 08-16-2012, 08:28 PM

I purchased a balloon ram 2 months ago. He's my fav fish in my tank. Very personal. The other fish always swim around him like he's the leader. He's always the first to take a bit out of a new food I put on the veggie clip. bright yellow with a red stripe down the eyes. He was only $7 at my local store. Only one in a tank full of German Rams.