Ram cichlid
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Demanding
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum tank
- 80 L
- Maximum size
- 6 cm
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The ram cichlid is a dwarf cichlid with the colours of a tropical bird and the behaviour of a full-size cichlid in miniature: it patrols, cleans a stone and looks after its brood with remarkable care. For such a small fish it offers an enormous amount to watch.
It is, unfortunately, also delicate. Most farmed fish come from warm Asian breeding facilities and cope badly with what the average community tank offers: water that is too cool, too much nitrate and too much bustle. Give it a mature, warm and calm tank with soft water, hiding places and a sandy bottom. A pair will claim a corner and drive everything out of it while breeding.
Good to know
Related species
Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.
In the BlubHub app you link your inhabitants to this database and see the care info next to your own water parameters.