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

[fishmommie]

Oh - I'm so glad to hear someone has one of these little guys. I'll be eager to see how he does. And I hope you continue to be happy with him. I was really taken by them in the LFS. But all of these comments have scared me away.
Please keep us posted on how he's doing because I agree, their color is great and they came right to the front of the tank to say hi :o)
thanks for chiming in

[phatchuck]

I just bought a balloon blue ram last night. I think they look really cool. The colors in the LFS were amazing, but he wasn't as bright last night in my tank. The front of his dorsal fin has a black streak in it so when it is fully up it looks like he has a little mohawk.

He seems a little stressed, hiding in the plants most of the time, so far. Hopefully he will get more comfortable soon and his colors will come out more. My fish are all very easygoing and docile, just a little curious about him.

[KingFisher]

Personally I do not like fish that are bred for genetic defects which can effect their ability to have a normal life.

[phatchuck]

Personally I do not like fish that are bred for genetic defects which can effect their ability to have a normal life.

What sort of genetic defect does it have other than being a little rounded? The belly really isn't ballooned. The LFS called it an Angel Ram, but when I looked it up online, the pictures of the Balloon Blue Ram look exactly like mine. It looks like a cross between a ram and an angel, but no real exaggerated defect that I can see.

[phatchuck]

Also - forgot to ask - Does anyone know how big these guys get? I see info that says anywhere between 5 cm and 4 inches. Wondering if anyone has any personal experience with them.

[KingFisher]

What sort of genetic defect does it have other than being a little rounded? The belly really isn't ballooned. The LFS called it an Angel Ram, but when I looked it up online, the pictures of the Balloon Blue Ram look exactly like mine. It looks like a cross between a ram and an angel, but no real exaggerated defect that I can see.

They have been known to have shortened lifespans and an increased amount of intestinal problems due to their internal organs also being misshapen.

[phatchuck]

They have been known to have shortened lifespans and an increased amount of intestinal problems due to their internal organs also being misshapen.

Ahhh. Thanks Kingfisher. After further research I see what you mean. Well, I guess we'll see how he holds up. I do like the 'Ram' family so maybe my next addition will be a Bolivian or a non-balloon German.