General Description
The Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a species of freshwater cichlid that can be found in slow-moving waters throughout the Orinoco River basin. These fish typically grow to a maximum length around 3 inches and they are peaceful fish by nature. Ram Cichlids can be kept in community tanks with other cichlids of similar size as well as other South American community species.
The Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a species of freshwater cichlid that can be found in slow-moving waters throughout the Orinoco River basin.
Origins
The Ram Cichlid is native to Colombia and Venezuela where it can be found in slow-moving waters.
Color
These fish are popular in the aquarium trade and they have been selectively bred to produce a number of different variants in terms of shape and color. Ram Cichlids come in various shades of blue, gold, and red with a dark bar running vertically through the eye and dark patches on the body and fins. Many Rams also exhibit iridescent blue spotting on the body and fins.
Maintenance and Care
The Ram Cichlid is native to the Orinoco River basin where it can be found in warm waters with low mineral content. These fish prefer warm, soft to slightly hard waters in the 78°F to 85°F temperature range with a neutral pH between 5.2 and 6.7. Rams are generally found in waters that are heavily stained with tannins so their tank should be densely planted and decorated with plenty of driftwood. Floating plants are also appreciated by this species to help diffuse tank lighting.
Many Rams also exhibit iridescent blue spotting on the body and fins.
Feeding
Ram Cichlids are omnivorous fish so they will likely accept any foods you give them. These fish should be offered high-quality commercial flakes and pellets as well as fresh and frozen foods like brine shrimp and chopped earthworms.
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Breeding Info
This species of cichlid is an egg-laying species that tends to breed readily in soft to medium hard waters with a neutral pH and a slightly elevated temperature. Ram Cichlids tend to lay their eggs in caves or they spawn over flat stones. The male and female will guard the eggs and care for them after hatching, often becoming very territorial when guarding their fry.
Aquarium Varieties
The Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) has been selectively bred to create a variety of different color varieties such as Electric Blue Rams, German Gold Rams, German Blue Rams, Angel Rams, Asian Ram, Butterfly Cichlid, Dwarf Butterfly Cichlid, and more.
Photo credit: cynoclub/Bigstock
