🐟 Colombian Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
🐟 Colombian Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
Natural-Coloured Dwarf Cichlid • Peaceful Centerpiece • Made for Warm Planted Tanks
📋 The Colombian Ram Cichlid is the classic, natural-coloured Ram, the wild-type form that line-bred strains were developed from. It wears more golden-yellow and a little less blue than the show strains, with the signature black eye bar and flank spot, and it is a lovely choice for a natural South American look. Compact at about 5-6cm and peaceful, it forms pairs and sifts the sand for food.
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
🌿 Natural Wild-Type Colouring: Golden-yellow with blue accents
🌿 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 Colombian Ram Cichlid
📛 Common Name: Colombian Ram Cichlid (Ram Cichlid, Butterfly Cichlid)
🔬 Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
👨👩👧 Family: Cichlidae
🌍 Origin: Wild-type form of a species native to the Orinoco basin, Colombia and Venezuela
📏 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 3-5 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore; sifts sand for food
🐣 Reproduction: Egg layer; pairs care for eggs and fry
