Ram Cichlid (Longfin Morph)

The longfin ram is a selectively bred strain of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi in which all fin rays — particularly those of the dorsal, ventral (pelvic), and caudal fins — have been elongated through selective breeding. The resulting fish has a flowing, almost ornate silhouette while retaining the natural colouration pattern of the wild species. The elongated fins are fragile and prone to damage in aquaria containing fin-nipping species or rough décor with sharp edges. Care requirements are identical to standard M. ramirezi: warm, clean, soft-to-moderately-soft water, fine substrate, and a varied diet. A cave spawner with biparental brood care. Best kept in a well-planted aquarium with gentle, non-nippy companions.

Water: Soft; pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 27–30 °C, stable and clean. Tank: 60 L+; planted, fine sand, smooth décor to protect fins. Feeding: Fine sinking pellets, frozen daphnia, artemia, bloodworm. Breeding: Cave spawner; biparental; long fins do not impair spawning ability. Compatibility: Only with non-nippy species; avoid tiger barbs, serpae tetras, etc.