Ram Cichlid (Wild Type)

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi in its wild-type form originates from the llanos savannah drainages of Venezuela and Colombia, particularly the Orinoco and Apure river systems. Wild specimens are more slender and subtler in colouration than commercially bred morphs, displaying natural yellows, blues, and a characteristic black dorsal blotch, with red-edged scales and violet iridescence in good light. The species requires warm, very soft, acidic water — conditions that match the seasonally flooded, ion-poor llanos pools of its homeland. A cave spawner with biparental brood care, pairs bond closely and defend small territories. Best kept in pairs or small groups in a planted aquarium with fine substrate, leaf litter, and tannins. A classic and rewarding dwarf cichlid for the soft-water enthusiast.

Water: Very soft; pH 5.0–6.8, temperature 27–30 °C, low nitrates. Tank: 60 L+; fine sand, plants, driftwood, leaf litter. Feeding: Fine sinking pellets, frozen daphnia, cyclops, artemia nauplii, micro-worm. Breeding: Cave spawner; biparental; fry free-swimming in 5–7 days. Compatibility: Peaceful; best with small, non-nippy tetras and calm bottom-dwellers.