The Ram Cichlid, or Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, is a species of dwarf cichlid from the warm, soft waters of South America’s Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela and Colombia. This fish has become a favorite in the aquarium hobby because of its vibrant coloration and engaging personality. Known for their relatively peaceful nature, Rams bring a unique dynamic to a well-maintained aquarium environment.
Ideal Tank Environment
Ram Cichlids require a stable, mature aquarium as they are sensitive to water quality fluctuations, making a fully cycled tank a necessity. These fish thrive in warm water, with a recommended temperature range between 82-86°F (28-30°C). Maintaining this higher temperature is a significant aspect of their long-term health.
The water chemistry should mimic their natural blackwater habitat, which means soft, acidic conditions. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 7.0 and low general and carbonate hardness (GH/KH). Using Indian almond leaves or driftwood can help to release beneficial tannins into the water, which aids in softening it and replicating their home environment. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is suggested for a single pair. If you plan to keep more than one pair, a larger tank of at least 40 gallons is needed to allow each pair to establish its own territory.
The tank’s substrate should consist of soft sand. Rams have delicate gills and engage in a natural sifting behavior, scooping sand into their mouths to find food particles and expelling it through their gills. A coarse or sharp substrate can cause injury. Providing ample hiding spots is also important for their sense of security, so a well-decorated tank with driftwood, rock caves, and plenty of live plants that can tolerate high temperatures, such as Java Fern or Anubias, will help them feel secure.
Diet and Feeding
As omnivores, Ram Cichlids require a varied diet. In their natural habitat, they sift through the substrate for small crustaceans and plant matter. A high-quality sinking micropellet or flake food can serve as the foundation of their diet. This ensures that the food reaches the middle and bottom levels of the tank where they prefer to feed.
To truly bring out their best coloration and encourage natural foraging behaviors, their diet should be regularly supplemented with a variety of frozen or live foods. Options like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are excellent choices. Feeding these supplemental foods a few times a week can significantly enhance their vitality.
A consistent feeding schedule of small amounts once or twice daily is recommended. This method prevents overfeeding, which can lead to poor water quality. Observing their eating habits will help you adjust the amount of food provided, ensuring they consume everything within a few minutes.
Temperament and Suitable Tank Mates
Ram Cichlids are known for their generally peaceful disposition, which makes them suitable for many community aquariums. However, their temperament can become territorial, particularly when a male and female form a breeding pair. When this occurs, they will claim a specific area of the tank, often centered around a flat rock or a small pit they have dug, and will defend it from other fish.
Ideal companions are other peaceful fish that thrive in similar warm, soft water conditions. Species such as Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and smaller Corydoras catfish are excellent choices. Otocinclus catfish are also compatible and help with algae control without disturbing the Rams.
Certain types of fish should be avoided. Large, aggressive cichlids will bully and stress the Rams. Fast-moving and notorious fin-nipping fish, such as Tiger Barbs, are also poor companions as they can harass the Rams and damage their flowing fins.
Common Ram Cichlid Varieties
Through selective breeding, several stunning color varieties of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi have become popular in the aquarium trade. The classic German Blue Ram (GBR) is perhaps the most well-known, displaying a yellow-gold body adorned with iridescent blue spangling, black markings, and bright red patches, particularly around the eyes.
Another popular type is the Electric Blue Ram, which is distinguished by an intense, solid neon-blue coloration across its entire body. This variety often lacks the black and red markings of the German Blue Ram, creating a striking, uniform appearance. The Yellow or Gold Ram is another common variant, selectively bred for a dominant bright yellow or golden body coloration, often with red eyes but minimal blue or black markings.
The Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus), is a different species often sold alongside the other ram varieties. Bolivian Rams are hardier, tolerate a wider range of water conditions, and are slightly less colorful, often having a more subdued, tan-colored body with red-edged fins. This distinction is important, as they do not require the specific conditions of M. ramirezi.