Ram cichlid

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

An eye bar, flank blotch and blue spangles; small size does not mean easy care.

A warm-water dwarf cichlid with strong black markings and iridescent dots.

Adult length: Up to 4 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 27–30 °C
Lifespan: 2–3 years
pH: 4–7
Hardness: 1–10 dGH

Natural habitat: Native to waters of the llanos in the Orinoco basin of Venezuela and Colombia.

Use a mature aquarium with stable warm water and reliable access to food.

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Appearance and identification

Males have raised front dorsal rays. Gold, electric blue, balloon and longfin forms are domestic varieties of the same species. Wild fish and farmed colour forms can differ substantially in size.

Social behaviour and territory

Adult pairs hold territory; a randomly chosen male and female may not pair up.

Compatibility limits

Check temperature, competition and aggression for every companion.

Space requirements

A 60 × 30 cm base with cover suits one pair.

Aquarium environment

Use warm-tolerant plants and keep sheltered sandy areas.

Diet and feeding

Offer small sinking complete foods with varied frozen fare and confirm each fish feeds.

Sources