Gold Ram

Last time this was in stock, it was £6.99£14.99

  • Common Name: Gold Ram
  • Latin Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
  • Synonyms: Ram Cichlid, Butterfly Cichlid, Blue Ram
  • Distribution: Native to the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela and Colombia
  • Max Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
  • Temperature Range: 78-85°F (25-29°C)
  • pH Range: 5.0-7.0
  • KH Range: 0-10 dKH
  • Care Level: Intermediate to advanced, as they are a bit delicate and require pristine water conditions.
  • Preferred Food: Omnivorous – will eat flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Behaviour: Generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other small, peaceful fish. They are known to be good parents and will defend their eggs and fry.
  • Discoverer: The Golden Ram is a selectively bred variant of the Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, so it does not have a specific discoverer.
  • Suitable for Planted Aquariums: Yes, as they are not known to be aggressive towards plants.
  • Interesting Facts: The Golden Ram has a rounded, balloon-like body shape due to selective breeding. They are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts who appreciate their unique appearance. However, due to their delicate nature, they require careful attention to water quality and can be more challenging to keep than other freshwater fish.
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To keep Gold Ram healthy, it is crucial to maintain high-quality water parameters in their aquarium. These fish are sensitive to changes in water chemistry, and any fluctuations can cause stress and health problems. Regular water changes and proper filtration are essential to maintaining the water quality.

The Gold Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a selectively bred variant of the Blue Ram, a species of dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia. It has a striking black body with metallic blue highlights on the fins, which makes it a popular choice for planted aquaria. This fish is small, reaching only about 2.5 inches in length, but its vivid coloration and active behaviour make it a centrepiece in any tank.

Keeping Gold Ram healthy:

To keep Gold Ram healthy, it is crucial to maintain high-quality water parameters in their aquarium. These fish are sensitive to changes in water chemistry, and any fluctuations can cause stress and health problems. Regular water changes and proper filtration are essential to maintaining the water quality.

It is recommended to keep the water temperature between 78-82°F (26-28°C) and pH between 6.0-7.0. The water hardness should be kept between 5-10 GH. A well-established aquarium with stable water parameters is essential for the well-being of German Blue Ram Large.

Care level and difficulty:

The Gold Ram is considered a bit more demanding to keep than other tropical fish due to its sensitivity to water conditions. However, with proper care and attention, they can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. This fish is best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists who have experience with keeping sensitive species.

Special requirements and feeding:

Gold Ram are omnivorous and require a varied diet that includes both protein and plant matter They will readily accept high-quality flake, pellet, and frozen foods, as well as live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. It is important to avoid overfeeding, as these fish have a tendency to become obese. In addition, they require plenty of hiding places in their aquarium, such as caves or plants, to feel secure and reduce stress.

Suitable tank mates:

Gold Ram can be kept with other peaceful community fish that share similar water parameters, such as tetras, rasboras, and small catfish. It is important to avoid aggressive or territorial fish, as well as those that may outcompete the Gold Ram Small for food. They can also be kept with other dwarf cichlids as long as there is plenty of space and hiding places in the aquarium.

Breeding:

Gold Ram are egg-layers and can be bred in captivity. To encourage breeding, it is recommended to keep a group of six or more individuals, with a ratio of two females to one male. The pair will typically form a bond and choose a flat surface to lay their eggs, such as a piece of driftwood or a flat rock. The eggs will hatch within a few days, and the fry can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flake food.

Summarize:

The Gold Ram is a striking fish that adds a pop of colour to any planted aquarium. While it is more demanding to keep than other tropical fish, with proper care and attention, it can thrive in a stable environment with high water quality. They require a varied diet, plenty of hiding places, and peaceful tank mates. They are egg-layers and can be bred in captivity, making them a popular choice for aquarists interested in breeding dwarf cichlids.