Ram Cichlid, scientifically known as Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, is a small freshwater fish. It comes from South America’s Orinoco River basin, found in Venezuela and Colombia.
This fish has been studied for its behavior and is popular in aquariums.
Ram Cichlid has many names, like Ram, Blue Ram, German Blue Ram, Asian Ram, Butterfly Cichlid, Ramirez’s Dwarf Cichlid, Dwarf Butterfly Cichlid, and Ramirezi.
It belongs to the Cichlidae family and the Geophaginae subfamily. This small colorful fish needs specific water conditions to stay healthy. If these conditions are not met, the fish may suffer.
Researchers use this species to study fish behavior. When keeping it in an aquarium, it’s best to keep it in pairs with at least 60 cm (about 24 inches) of space available.
Ram Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Ram Cichlids, scientifically named Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, are found in South America’s Orinoco River basin.
- They need specific water conditions, slightly acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.0), hardness range of 5 to 12 dH, and temperatures between 78°F to 85°F (25.5°C to 29.4°C).
- Researchers study this species for its behavior, and these fish are popular in aquariums.
- Females care for eggs and larvae.
- Grow up to 1.3 inches (3.4 centimeters) in length.
Ram Cichlid Habitat
Ram Cichlid is found in South America’s Orinoco River Basin, specifically in the flatlands of Venezuela and Colombia. This fish lives in freshwater and stays near the bottom (benthopelagic).
It doesn’t migrate and prefers slightly acidic water with pH levels between 5.0 to 6.0 and a hardness (dH) range of 5 to 12.
The ideal water temperature for this tropical fish is between 78°F to 85°F (25.5°C to 29.4°C).
| Water Temperature: | 78°F to 85°F (25.5°C to 29.4°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 6.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 12 dH |
Ram Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.3 inches (3.4 centimeters)
Ram Cichlid grows up to 1.3 inches (3.4 centimeters) long.
Ram Cichlid Reproduction
Female Ram Cichlid looks after the eggs and baby fish, known as larvae.
Ram Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Mikrogeophagus |
| Scientific Name: | Mikrogeophagus ramirezi |
| Also Known As: | Ram Cichlid, Ram, Blue Ram, German Blue Ram, Asian Ram, Butterfly Cichlid, Ramirez’s Dwarf Cichlid, Dwarf Butterfly Cichlid, Ramirezi |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |