Fish
Ram Cichlid
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi · also called german blue ram, butterfly cichlid
Flashing iridescent blue, yellow, and red across a body barely the length of a fingertip, a ram cichlid patrols its small patch of sandy floodplain, one of the most colourful dwarf cichlids kept anywhere despite a reputation for being fussier than its size suggests.
Overview
The ram cichlid, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, is a small, vividly coloured dwarf cichlid native to seasonally flooded savanna floodplain wetland habitat across the Orinoco River basin of Venezuela and Colombia. Its compact size packed with iridescent colour, heightened sensitivity to water quality compared with hardier cichlid relatives, and dedicated biparental care make it one of the most popular yet demanding small cichlids kept in aquariums worldwide.
Small size, big colour, bigger reputation
Few fish pack as much colour into as small a body as the ram cichlid, but that same delicate constitution means it demands more careful, stable water conditions than many hardier cichlids, a trade-off aquarists have long accepted for its striking appearance.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable savanna floodplain wetland habitat throughout the Orinoco River basin.
Ram Cichlid: common questions
Why is the ram cichlid considered tricky to keep?
This species is notably more sensitive to poor water quality and unstable water chemistry than many hardier cichlid relatives, requiring more careful and consistent aquarium maintenance, a factor that has earned it a reputation as less forgiving than some other popular dwarf cichlids.
How big does a ram cichlid get?
This species rarely exceeds about 5 to 7 centimetres in length, remaining one of the smallest cichlids commonly kept in aquariums despite displaying an unusually vivid combination of iridescent blue, yellow, and red colouring across its compact body.
Where does the ram cichlid live in the wild?
This species is native to seasonally flooded savanna floodplain wetland habitat across the Orinoco River basin of Venezuela and Colombia, a more open-country setting compared with the dense rainforest streams favoured by many other small cichlids.
Do ram cichlids share parenting duties?
Yes, both parents share responsibility for guarding the eggs and later shepherding the free-swimming fry as a tight group, taking turns fanning the eggs with their fins to keep them oxygenated and free of fungus during incubation.