Products such as SeaChem Replenish can aid in adding these essential mineral ions.įor natural acid buffers/tannins products such as Pillow Moss or Indian Almond leaves aid in Aeromonas bacterial control, and provide more natural Amazon conditions performing a “slow acid buffer” function. The Ram Cichlids do best in an Amazon River Aquarium environment which includes clean well filtered water, a stable pH (best under 7.0, although I have kept higher), warm temperatures between 79 - 83☏ (26 to 28 C), some KH for stability (50 ppm plus), and despite some claims by others, Rams need some mineralization (calcium, magnesium, etc.) for correct osmoregulation (despite some claims by misinformed aquarists lack of understanding of biochemistry).Īquarium Chemistry Amazon River Environment This said, I would aim for the best conditions regardless of species kept. *Water Parameters: Microgeophagus ramirezi can be sensitive to poor water conditions or incorrect water parameters while the Bolivian (Crown) Rams are less sensitive in my experience. I have kept them in tanks as small as 15 gallons successfully, however groups are best kept in 30 gallons or larger. *Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: Although many males may show typical male cichlid dominance, these fish are basically mild mannered and do best in groups with others of their own kind and in community tanks with med.-large Tetras, Discus, Angels, sometimes Gouramis and similar. The altispinosa species is slightly less colorful, however it is generally a more hardy adaptable fish (the fish on the right side of the picture). The ramirezi species tends to be more colorful, but not as hardy (the two fish on the left side of the picture). In Male Cichlids, the first few dorsal rays are longer and more pointed than others. *Description : Ram Cichlids are somewhat stocky in shape. German/Blue/Gold Ram The rivers of Venezuela, and Columbia *Natural Habitat: Bolivian Ram Mamoré and Guaporé river drainages in Bolivia and Brazil. Microgeophagus altispinosa aka Bolivian Ram, Crown Ram, Butterfly Ram *Scientific Name: Microgeophagus ramirezi aka German, Blue, Gold, Ramirez's dwarf cichlid *Other common names: Blue Rams, Butterfly ram, German Blue, German Blue Ram (GBR), Ram, Butterfly cichlid, Dwarf cichlid.
RAM CICHLIDS German, Crown (Bolivian), Gold