🐟 Black Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
🐟 Black Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
Jet-Black Dwarf Cichlid • Peaceful Centerpiece • Made for Warm Planted Tanks
📋 The Black Ram is a showstopper: a deep, velvety black body scattered with shimmering blue speckles that glow under aquarium lighting. Compact at about 5-6cm, peaceful with calm tankmates, and full of personality, it forms pairs, sifts the sand for food, and stands out beautifully in a planted tank.
Rams love warmth. Keep the water at 26-30°C, soft and slightly acidic, and they'll reward you with their best colour and behaviour. They are happiest in a mature, stable tank with fine sand, plants, and a few caves, with regular water changes to keep nitrates low.
💡 Highlights
🖤 Jet-Black Colouring: Deep black body with blue speckles
🌿 Perfect for Planted Tanks: Plant-safe and calm
💞 Forms Pairs: Charming courtship and egg care
🌡️ Happiest at 26-30°C: A warm-water favourite
📏 Compact: About 5-6cm
🧾 A Quick Look at the Black Ram
📛 Common Name: Black Ram (Ram Cichlid, Butterfly Cichlid)
🔬 Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
👨👩👧 Family: Cichlidae
🌍 Origin: Selectively bred black colour form of a species native to the Orinoco basin, Venezuela and Colombia
📏 Max Size: About 5-6cm; up to 7cm for larger fish
🧂 Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
💧 pH Range: 5.5-7.0
🌡️ Temperature Range: 26-30°C (79-86°F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate
💖 Temperament: Peaceful; territorial when breeding
🌿 Planted Tank Safe: ✅ Yes
🏠 Min Tank Size: 75 L+ (20+ gallons) for a pair
📌 Tank Level: Bottom to mid-water
⏳ Lifespan: About 2-4 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore; sifts sand for food
🐣 Reproduction: Egg layer; pairs care for eggs and fry
