[drx]

was pretty sure I knew what it was when I got it. but the more I look at it the less sure I am. defiantly not a Clown loach like it was labeled lol

 

[WaterLife]

Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus ? Bolivian Ram (Crenicara altispinosa, Microgeophagus altispinosus, Papiliochromis altispinosus) ? Seriously Fish



A side profile pic would help in sexing the ram
but here is some noted traits on how to sex them
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=142702&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=237629

How long have you had the ram?
Looks a bit pale and it has clear feces.
Clear poop like that can be internal parasites, but it can also just be if the ram is constipated or hasn't eaten due to stress.

 

[drx]

about 8 hours. in that 8 hours its changed its color back and forth a lot. yeah noticed the poop when taking the pic. when i feed the other fish in the tank some blood worms the ram showed no interest in them. right now its a much nicer color and is exploring the tank more.

 

[WaterLife]

Just give him some time to settle in and he should color up. New fish may take up to a couple days or so before they feel comfortable enough to eat.

If he doesn't eat after that initial phase and he is getting skinnier, I would suspect internal parasites. Stress is still a possible reason, whether he is not comfortable in his tank for environmental reasons (hiding areas, water parameters, tankmates, etc) or he may not be feeling well from some other sickness (doubt, but possible).

You can treat parasites with Praziquantel (found in Hikari PraziPro) or Metronidazole (found in Seachem MetroPlex/Aquazole). Would probably be necessary to treat the water column rather than use medicated foods if the ram isn't eating. Safe enough meds to treat the whole tank.