Rigid rays act as a defense mechanism against predators. The German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a type of cichlid that can be found in Columbia and Venezuela.Within this region, the entire species is located within the Orinoco River basin. The female fish will usually start the breeding process by looking for a nice flat rock or cave to lay her eggs. The flakes should sink since they are bottom-dwelling fish. Paired cichlids also fight a lot, which is why you need to avail a lot of hiding spots. The same goes for lighting. They will fan fresh water over their eggs to keep bacteria and fungus at bay. In the wild, ram cichlids are noted as open spawners. Create large open spaces towards the center of the tank so that they can dart around without any issues. While they are not a shoaling species, Bolivian Rams do appreciate the company of others. The aggressiveness of ram cichlids is only seen when they are breeding, and it is best to separate the female if the males become aggressive. It will live harmoniously with equally peaceful and smaller fish like neon tetras and dwarf gouramis. Ram Cichlids and Guppies – Can You Keep Them Together? Low fertility and poor brood care are also fairly common. Some of the plants to consider include: Floating plants will diffuse the light and make your ram cichlids feel comfortable in your tank. Now that you know the essentials of Bolivian Ram care it’s time to get some for yourself! Rams. But that doesn’t mean you should go into ownership without the proper info. They can search for food without digging like other fish species. Here are some good Bolivian Ram tank mates to consider: Breeding Bolivian Rams is a pretty straightforward process. A female swordtail can produce offspring as often as every four weeks. The fry will develop in a dense school and will accompany its parents when foraging. The Blue Ram Cichlid is a stocky fish with bright grey/blue flanks. Top: Bolivian Ram with 8 day old fry 03_11_2015 Bottom: German Ram guarding eggs laid on 03_11_2015 . Fish … The pair will begin nudging each other and twirling, and the male can be seen sliding against the female’s body or darting away quickly. They require a peaceful setup as they will get stressed with aggressive tank mates. But, they do require a lot of space. The Ram is a typical cichlid in that it is a pair-bonding, care-giving, somewhat territorial species. However, we recommend using a 30-gallon tank. Ram cichlids are quite shy during feeding, and you will need to isolate and feed them before the braver fish become active and eat all the food. Remember how we said that they don’t like to disturb the substrate too much while they search for food? Like any fish, Bolivian Rams have their own unique needs. Aside from that, these fish will get along with any other peaceful species. Whichever filtration method you choose, just make sure that it’s powerful enough to treat the tank efficiently. The female subsequently places adhesive eggs on the pit or stones in batches of between 150 to 300. Betta Fish Care Infographic, a handy cheat sheet that will benefit any keepers of Siamese Fighting Fish. The fins have some special color patterns as well. They like to hide away, and they are best kept with braver fish. It’s a ton of fun to watch! The freshwater bodies they inhabit in the wild are relatively warm. Add a large clump of java moss or java fern on wood to provide cover for the rams and to grow infusoria that the fry can feed on. Ram Cichlid Care and Maintenance This fish is native to the Orinoco River basin and this is where it can be found in the warm waters which have quite a low mineral content. Sometimes hobbyists choose to purchase a Ramshorn Snail as a pet. You can do 50% water changes at this point with reverse osmosis. There have been some reports floating around that claim these fish have been found in other areas of South America. Equip your tank with flat stones for the cichlids to use as breeding sites. It’s desirable to measure the amount of ammonia in the water every week. Feed the fry often, six times a day or more. Piranhas in the wild are generalists, feeding on fish, crustaceans, insects, plants, fruits, nuts and seeds. To help your fish reach the end of their lifespan, it’s important to plan out their habitats accordingly. If you choose to add other fish, consider silver dollars, black skirt tetras, convict cichlids, and other semi-aggressive fish nearly the size of the parrot cichlid. Other hobbyists find Ramshorn Snails inadvertently making their way into tanks as pests. Guppies and Corydoras – Can You Keep them Together? Constipation: Stop feeding for 2-3 days and continue with a more varied diet including live and plant-based foods. Either way, those caves are a good place for your fish to lay eggs. Learn more. AquariumNexus.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Ram cichlids and guppies are common aquatic pets, and you may be wondering if you…. The waters are filled with natural plants. The Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a species of freshwater cichlid that can be found in slow-moving waters throughout the Orinoco River basin. Because they stick to the bottom and middle of the aquarium, stick to sinking pellets. They can transfer diseases and are not nutritionally balanced. At this point, the parents will lead the fry in large groups to go find food. This fish is a German Blue Ram with a darker appearance. Meanwhile, smooth rocks will act as breeding grounds for these fish. The fish prefers clean water with little flow and high oxygen content. Please always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. It’s on the acidic side and doesn’t have a flow that’s too powerful. In the corners of the tank, place various spawning sites, such as flat river stones or tiny terracotta pots and saucers. It is common for several spawnings to be unsuccessful at first. Aquarists use driftwood to keep the PH low and to also create the “tea-stained” appearance of the Amazon River. These fish are endemic to parts of the Amazon River Basin. It is popular with aquarists, and it also goes by the names blue ram, butterfly cichlid, Asian ram, German blue ram, Ramirezi, and dwarf butterfly cichlid. The blue ram cichlid or otherwise commonly known as the butterfly cichlid is another of the beautiful dwarf cichlids often desired by the aquarist. You should, therefore, cycle your tank effectively and ensure it is stable before introducing the cichlids. Like the head stripe, they run vertically along the length of the body. These meals can either be live or freeze-dried. You may also see them looking for food through the substrate. Try and mimic the community tank in the breeding tank to reduce the adaption time on the part of the cichlids, and you can use the same substrate and decorations. Like plants, driftwood is a good place to rest and hide. Ram cichlids are used to tropical waters in the wild, and a heater will help you create the optimal temperatures. Then, their shape tapers down to the tail fin. Emperor tetra can be encountered in waters with slow water flow, in small tributaries and streams joining rivers. Start with a nice sandy substrate. You should count 10 gallons for every ram cichlid. You can use a canister system (like the Fluval FX4) or a simple hang-on-back model. These fish are omnivores and will pretty much eat anything that you give them. Ram cichlids are not easy pets to keep, and most aquarists report their death soon after purchase. The parents are quite protective of the baby fish. Not only that, but we think they’re one of the most entertaining species to spectate. * For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. They need potential candidates to choose as a … Like rasboras, tetras are another very popular, small schooling fish that come in tons of varieties – like neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi), cardinal tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi), black neon tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), and Congo tetras (Phenacogrammus interruptus). The Ram also needs a few caves in which to hide and, if breeding, flat stones on which the female can lay her eggs. The first is the rule we must consider any time we stock large fish: Big fish eat little fish. The dorsal fin features a small black stripe on the front. Bolivian Ram Cichlids prefer light flow. Poor water conditions and an inadequate ecosystem can shorten that lifespan significantly. They have hearty appetites! You can start feeding the fry with infusoria and microforms. We recommend creating some caves with rock is possible. However it is an excellent community fish as it only requires a small space and gets along with most species. Maintain suitable water temperature, and change the water weekly or bi-weekly. Some may look like darker german blues, others feature a dark black body with a colorful face, and other still are all black. Ram cichlids are noted for adding bright colors in an aquarium. Its brightly colored physique is of high ornamental value which is why the demand for them is great in the market. You can complement a dry diet with chopped up earthworms, brine shrimp. If you don’t have a bonded pair, you can get a large group of juvenile fish and let them pair off naturally. You can include both floating plants and planted plants in a ram cichlid tank. Their bodies are yellowish with black curved lines extending along their bodies. Filter can be both internal and external although the latter is more preferable. There are some physical differences between males and females. Ram cichlids will generally live for three to four years. As their trade name would suggest, the fish are most often found in Bolivia. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. Measure the ammonia levels every week and invest in a powerful filter. Ram cichlids are bottom-dwelling pets and will rarely venture past the middle part of your tank. Bolivian Rams have several subtle physical details. If you want to have several males, divide the tank into several territories and provide hiding spaces. Like any other fish, their lifespan is dictated by several factors. Ram Cichlids Aquarium Requirement A standard filtration system will do. The two fish will then guard the area. Bolivian Rams are Cichlids and unlike their closely related cousins (such as the Green Terror Cichlid) they are peaceful. Entice them with treats like mosquito larvae after a few days, and then establish a regular diet. The male will mostly take control of the fry, and he will take them into his mouth to “clean” them once they begin to swim. While they are part of the Cichlid family, Bolivian Rams are far more peaceful than other Cichlid species. Organize the plants in your setup to form densely planted zones. There are two types of rams, the Bolivian (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) and the German (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi).Golden and Blues are simply color variations of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi.Both originate in South America and are considered dwarf cichlids, with Bolivians being … In the wild, they will sift through the substrate for small organisms. It is not recommended to keep the cichlids alone. For the best care, the Ram should be kept in an aquarium of at least 20 gallons with several dense plant groups scattered around plenty of open swimming space. Overcrowding will only lead to stress and disease. Crowntail Betta 101: Care, Lifespan, Facts & More! Ascertain that the substrate and decoration you use in the tank do not leech and impact the PH. They will put them in their mouths to transport them to other areas of the tank. Smaller peaceful fish might be viewed as food, so try to stick to similarly-sized fish. Between their stunning beauty and peculiar mannerisms, you won’t have trouble passing time looking at your tank. They are more likely to breed if you have a very large tank with plenty of room to move. Usually, that aggressive behavior is only towards fish that get too close to the breeding area. Don’t utilize a powerful light unless you have plenty of shading. Ich is highly contagious, so it’s important to quarantine any sick fish that you see. When choosing a substrate, stay away from gravel in favor of sand. Maintaining great water quality and giving your fish a healthy habitat will decrease the chances of them getting sick significantly. Keep the meals small. As their trade name would suggest, the fish are most often found in Bolivia. Either fish will dig a pit in the tank or clean a stone in preparation. Bolivian Rams are egg layers. The commonly recommended Bolivian Ram tank size is around 20 gallons for a small group of these fish. Author Note: The most effective way to deal with freshwater diseases is to prevent your fish from getting them in the first place. The base of their coloration is usually tan or silver. They’re a peaceful freshwater fish that can get along with others without any issues. The best companions for the cichlids include: Other tank mates to consider are clown loaches, Corydoras, and rummy nose tetras. Separating the fish from others will prevent aggressive behavior and increase the survival rate for fry. They’re found in tanks…, a beautiful addition to any community tank, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…. They’re beautiful, mellow, and easy to care for! Dense background and carpet plants will leave adequate spaces for the fish to swim since they are active swimmers. Faded black stripes can be seen on many specimens. In fact, they’re relatively hardy and won’t have too many problems with slight fluctuations in water quality. Top-notch care, water quality, and a stress-free environment are key to helping these fish live long and happy lives. These fish love to swim and will fair better with plenty of room to explore. Species Summary. Once she’s done that, the male will fertilize the eggs externally. This red edging can be found on the tail fin, too. The fish are sensitive to high nitrate levels. To prolong the lifespan of your pet, provide a high-quality diet in addition to the appropriate water conditions. Small white spots that get larger over time possibly with black streaks. This doesn’t just apply to the things you have in your tank, but also the water conditions. This family is very popular in the aquarium trade and includes fish such as Angelfish, Oscars … The male and female cichlids work together to protect the eggs and the fry. When you’re arranging the tank, consider how the fish will swim. The water in the breeding tank should be warmer by about 1 to 2 °C and slightly more acidic at around 0.1 to 0.3 units. AquariumNexus.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. You can feed the fry baby brine shrimp. They will take two to three days to adapt to the conditions of the mating pond, after which breeding will unfold. Introduce some rocks and driftwood into the mix as well. Ram cichlids should not be kept with energetic species that will eat most of the food. This avoids overfeeding and can prevent large quantities of food from affecting water conditions. The Amazon River Basin is teeming with life. The anal and pelvic fins have more subtle red tones. Ram cichlids will generally ignore large shrimps, but it will prey on smaller ones. In the wild, the animals rely on plant matter floating on the water and small insects and invertebrate. The couple can sometimes feed on the initial batches before they get the hang of parenting. The only thing you need to consider is size. Ich is, for the most part, a byproduct of stress. The rest of the dorsal fin is transparent. To learn more about kribensis cichlids, read the Aquarium Tidings article – Kribensis Cichlid Care. Avoid keeping large and hostile cichlids like the Green Terror. Include baby brine shrimp when they reach a week-old. A male and female cichlid will not generally mate in your tank. Ram cichlids can be affected by ich, which manifests as small white nodules on the skin. These fish typically grow to a maximum length around 3 inches and they are peaceful fish by nature. In fact, it’s more than a hobby, because I’ve spent countless hours doing research on different fish species. They also help improve agility in the water. Failing to meet those needs can lead to a host of health issues in the future. Since the fish commonly stays near the bottom then if ammonia and nitrates level rises it affects the cichlids first. They may even attempt to camouflage the babies! If temperature conditions are stable and optimal, the eggs will hatch within 40 hours. The water’s hardness should range between 6 to 14 GH while the current should be slow to moderate. Ram cichlids are not a good beginner fish, primarily because they are very sensitive to organic waste and other pollutants. It’s caused by poor water conditions or an uninhabitable environment. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout * This beautiful dwarf cichlid is a striking gold/yellow variant of the ever-popular German Blue Ram! It is therefore recommended to leave the eggs in the care of the paired cichlids. The cichlids will naturally pair up as they grow. All Bolivian Rams have rayed fins. Here are some care guidelines you need to follow. They will eat brine shrimp, earthworms, artemia, blood worms, tubifex, white worms, and cyclopeeze. Originally from Germany, our Black Rams are healthy, tame, and handfed. These fish are endemic to parts of the Amazon River Basin. Though, they inhabi… Of course, this is only my opinion. The more popular method used is to purchase juveniles and allow them to grow together. The Ram Cichlid Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (previously Paplilochromis ramirezi) is a beautiful, small, and peaceful cichlid. ». Avoid smaller tetra, angelfish, discus, and ram … They are also vulnerable to parasitic infestations by worms and protozoa, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. Of course, this is only my opinion. The only time they might show aggression is during breeding. Any non-fish residents you keep in the tank should not be small enough to be eaten by the ram cichlids. The Ram cichlids, also known as Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi is a peaceful small-sized fish. For these reasons, this species has quite the avid following in the aquarium community. Use a dark substrate to emulate the cichlid’s natural habitats. Their bodies are yellowish with black curved lines extending along their bodies. Ram cichlids are bottom-dwellers, and they will be affected by high concentrations of ammonia and nitrates. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Add some plants and vegetables in their diet. Hey, I'm Fabian, chief editor at Aquarium Nexus. If you intend to include other fish, invest in a 29-gallon tank and above. Bolivian Ram. In addition to frequent water changes, your filter will work to keep those levels low. On the other hand, female specimens usually don’t reach 3 inches at all. Throughout the day, you’ll see your fish swimming around the open spaces and exploring hiding spots. In captivity, they do just fine on dry food. Wild types will often display richer colors than those in captivity. Ram cichlids are known as peaceful residents of community tanks. Bolivian Rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) are a beautiful addition to any community tank. I really enjoy the aquarium hobby and love sharing my experience with others. This is one of our favorite species, and we love talking about them! Stocking your tank with a colony ensures a happier life for these fish, especially when breeding them. The Ram also needs a few caves in which to hide and, if breeding, flat stones on which the female can lay her eggs. Ramshorn Snails can accidentally make its way into tanks attached to live plants as small snails or in egg clutches. The offspring will typically take five days before it becomes free-swimming. Weekly water renew and siphonate of the bottom are crucial. For the best care, the Ram should be kept in an aquarium of at least 20 gallons with several dense plant groups scattered around plenty of open swimming space. Required fields are marked *, Fish keeping and aquariums has been my hobby for almost 20 years. They’re a peaceful freshwater fish that can get along with others without any issues. Feed the mating pair with a small dose of live blood worms and white worm once a day. The breeding time is signaled by the red spot on the female cichlid becoming bigger and brighter. The rays are sharp enough to pierce the inside of a predator’s mouth when swallowed! You can do whatever you want to do, but I strongly suggest you evaluate your skill and experience as a fishkeeper before bringing fish home. Ram cichlids will typically refuse to eat as they settle in a new tank. This guide will teach you the essential elements of Bolivian Ram care. A black vertical line runs across the eye and red patch around it. While they are part of the Cichlid family, Bolivian Rams are far more peaceful than other Cichlid species. Stick with these parameters and your fish should have no problem thriving. String of feces hanging from fish, swollen abdomen, sluggishness, disinterest in food, off-balance swimming. Ensure your setup is well-cycled before adding them, and your tank should have adequate nitrifying bacteria to break down the animal’s waste. Ram cichlids are especially sensitive to organic levels like nitrates, which is why it is best to keep them in a mid-sized to a large tank. More water will make it easier for you to maintain the health of the aquarium. That said, it’s important to stick to their preferred parameters. Though, they inhabit fresh bodies of water throughout Brazil. The Bolivian Ram is an incredibly interesting freshwater fish that we can’t recommend enough. Avoid aggressive dwarf cichlids and other bottom-dwelling fish species. Your email address will not be published. Some fish can also be affected by Ich if they share the tank with an aggressor. They are complemented by streaks of light pearly blue. Wild types will often display richer colors than those in captivity. Once your substrate is prepared, introduce live plants of varying sizes. Adding leaves to the tank’s bottom will also create a wild aesthetic in the aquarium. The fact that they’re fun to watch and approachable for beginners is a big draw. Ram cichlids form monogamous pairs, with both males and females being active parents. It needs frequent water changes, at least one a week – try to replace 10%-20% of the tank water once a week. When they are about 2 months old, they will be big enough to feed with standard dry food. Bolivian Ram care is not very difficult. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Aside from other Bolivian Ram Cichlids, you can introduce other peaceful fish into the aquarium. There are more susceptible to illnesses when stressed, and long periods of stress will weaken the immune system of your cichlids. Bolivian Rams are very peaceful fish. In about 2 to 3 days, the eggs will hatch. The male can dig a larger pit at this stage to accommodate the growing fry. You can also add flat or slate rocks, flowerpots, bogwood roots, and clay-caves to mimic the wild water biotopes. Whether a Ramshorn Snail is considered a pet or pest depends on each individ… With live food, ensure it is free of contaminants like bacteria to protect your cichlids. It is better to use send and small gravel as a tank bottom… The fish are at their widest around the dorsal and pelvic fins. Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List). The ram cichlid is a freshwater species adapted to living in the Orinoco River basin in South America. Make 10% water changes daily because the young cichlids are sensitive to water changes if the tank’s water is not exact. A large vertical black stripe covers the head. It has a large yellow dorsal fin with black at the front edge and red … Avoid buying adult piranhas that will only eat live feeder fish. Your email address will not be published. The Bolivian ram is an underappreciated dwarf cichlid … Alternatively, you can invest in faux rock decor. It is recommended to keep a bonded pair in a breeding tank and provide optimum conditions for spawning. They have an elongated oval body. Some aquarists like to increase the water temperature to about 86 degrees for a bit to see if the fish heal. The male stops guarding the young ones when they are about 2 ½ to 3 weeks, and he can be relocated to the community tank. The cichlids will also consume unfertile eggs so that they do not become breeding zones for pathogens. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If that doesn’t work, copper-based medicines are available as well. Other plants to consider include Wisteria, Rosette plants, and Vallisneria. Ensure the breeding tank has a slow water flow. Description. The colors and the peaceful nature of ram cichlids make them perfect for community tanks. The blue ram, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, is a species of freshwater fish endemic to the Orinoco River basin, in the savannahs of Venezuela and Colombia in South America. They often stay closer to 2.5 inches. Asian ram breeders have also developed rams with large, high-bodies and elongated fins. The best thing you can do for your Bolivian Rams is to replicate their natural habitat. The cichlids die quickly in poor water conditions, which means that you will need a good filtration system. You’ll know that the fish have paired off because the males and females will stick together. The average lifespan for a Bolivian Ram is about 4 years. Do not feed your piranhas live goldfish or other feeder fish if you can help it! The ram cichlids will typically reach around two inches, and they will need a minimum of 10 gallons. We recommend feeding the fish multiple times throughout the day. Ram cichlids need suitable water parameters and an omnivorous diet to thrive in any setup. The fish is endemic (the kind that inhabits only in this specific area) of the river San Juan and Atrato. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. In addition to tuberculosis, the cichlids can also contract Costia Disease and infestations by flatworms and tapeworms. It is best treated early with an elevation of the temperature to 86ºF for three days. This group gives birth to live fry. Bolivian Rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) are a beautiful addition to any community tank. These fish are extremely approachable and can be kept by aquarists of all experience levels. The fish is very sensitive to water conditions, which is why it is vital to maintain a specific environment for them. This allows them to kick up some substrate for sifting. They provide some shelter while also giving your fish a reprieve from light. The water should be changed weekly to boost its quality. The Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is known under many common names: Butterfly Ram, Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid and Ruby Cichlid.