Other Names:
Ram Cichlid, Ram, Yellow Dwarf Cichlid.
Scientific Name:
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (Myers & Harry, 1948)
Range:
South America: Rio Orinoco basin and Llanos, Venezuela and Colombia.
Maximum size:
Males 7,5cm. (3"), females 5cm. (2").
Aquarium:
A pair can be housed in an aquarium that measures 24" (60cm.) in length. But given the fact that Dwarf Cichlid males naturally tend to establish harems, an aquarium of 32" (80cm.) in length is better suited: this can provide a single male and a small harem of 1-3 females of these very colorful and interesting Dwarf Cichlids enough space to thrive and even reproduce. A densely planted tank with dimmed lights is preferred, so the little fish can hide and feel secure, especially when they share their tank with larger or more active fish. This species does not appreciate very fast currents, so if you have installed a large filter on the tank it is recommended to run it with reduced performance, or to provide a number of area's that are less exposed to the flow of water.
Optimal conditions are soft, slightly acidic water, achievable by filtering over peat or by the use of Black Water Extract. They will do well in harder, more alkaline water as well, but breeding is questionable under such conditions.
Temperature:
pH:
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Diet:
The Ramirez Dwarf Cichlid accepts a wide range of prepared foods like flakes, cichlid sticks and small granules, as well as frozen, freeze-dried or live foods such as artemia, spirulina, brine shrimp, blood worms, mosquito larvae etc. Live foods are a favorite source of food of this small Cichlid, and will help to bring out the best colors.
It is important to realise that many Dwarf Cichlid-species are not true surface feeders. Often they will not, or only with much reluctance, move towards the top of the tank during feeding time. This means that there is a certain risk of them being outcompeted by other, more assertive fish that take their food in all levels of the aquarium, especially during the acclimatisation period. For this reason, it is recommended to regularly feed sinking food items such as granules. Offering food in several places in the aquarium may also be a useful approach.
Temperament:
A somewhat territorial and aggressive community fish (although considered mild for Cichlid standards), especially when the fish are reproducing. But despite that still suitable for a community tank with carefully chosen tank mates (not too small or shy). Keeping more females than males is adviced, to keep agression to a minimum.
This species should be kept in a group of at least 3-4 specimen (one male for every 2-3 females).
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