Introduction
This little cichlid has several common names.
Ramirez' dwarf cichlid and Butterfly
dwarf cichlid are older names that have been largely replaced by the
shorter, though less elegant, Ram. It is one of the most delightful,
and popular, of freshwater fishes. Unfortunately it's also one of
the most abused and it has a deserved reputation for fragility.
This species is not for beginners, demanding the highest attention
to water quality, a varied diet, and warmer than usual water. Give
it the correct environment however, and you'll be rewarded with one
of the most beautiful fish available to the freshwater hobbyist.
Taxonomy
First described in 1948 by Myers & Harry, for many years the Ram (named after Sr. Manuel Vicente Ramirez, the Venezuelan collector),
was placed in the genus Apistogramma. It answered briefly to Papiliochromis ramirezi
(sometimes misspelled as papilochromis) before being
given its present title. Note that it's mikrogeophagus and not
microgeophagus.
The generic name means small earth-eater and refers to its close
relationship with its larger cousins, the geophagine (earth eating)
cichlids of South America.
There is currently only one other species in the genus,
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, the Bolivian ram. A larger, more
robust species which is also frequently offered for sale and is
probably more suited to most community setups.
Distribution & Availability
The Ram is a South American dwarf cichlid and can
be found in llanos (freshwater pools) along
the Orinoco River basin of Venezuela and Colombia.
Commercially bred M. ramirezi are
frequently offered for sale and are available in most shops
throughout the year. Sadly, as is often the case, breeders have
produced several variants, including gold, long-finned and balloon.
None of these can match the true wild form for beauty and
responsible fish-keepers should avoid them.
Description
The fish is rather deep bodied and compact. Healthy individuals
should be positively plump and nicely rounded. A large fish would be
around 6cm including the tail. Most are much less than that. The
basic body colour is yellow with 6 or 7 vertical dark bars, one of
which runs through its bright red eye. Depending on mood these bars
may be distinct or almost invisible. The second bar extends up onto
the front of the dorsal fin and the third bar is overlaid by a large
black blotch. Small blue iridescent spots cover the rear half of the
fish and the unpaired fins. Lines of the same colour can be seen on
the mouth and head area. Some individuals have elongated first and
second dorsal fin rays and the ventral fins have a line of
iridescent blue also.
Males - rather larger than the female but
otherwise similar. In mature fish, the rear of the dorsal fin comes
to a distinct point. The black spot on the flanks is generally free
from blue spots.
Females - smaller than males and may show
a pink blush on its belly. The black spot on its sides may be
overlaid slightly with a few blue spots
Requirements
This is not an easy fish to care for, despite
being sold as a general community fish. It requires frequent partial
water changes and should not be kept with large, fast-moving fish
such as barbs. One pair per tank only unless it is 4ft or more with
plenty hiding places. These fish inhabit the bottom portion of the
tank.
Tank size: 60cm minimum
Decoration: hiding places constructed from slate, bogwood
and plants. A sand substrate will allow for sand sifting
Temperature: 26-30oC
pH: slightly acidic, 5-7
Hardness: on the soft side, 2-10odH
Feeding
Feed a variety of flake and frozen food. Relishes
live food such as daphnia and grindal worms. Wild fish may take some
time to adjust but will eventually take flake.
Breeding
Given the right conditions, these fish will breed
fairly readily, even in a
community tank. For best results condition on live and frozen foods
and give them their own 60cm tank. Decorate the tank with wood and
plants, make sure there are plenty hiding places. Provide a flat
stone such as a slate and position this behind some plants for
privacy.
Although quite easy to spawn, hatching and
raising fry is another thing altogether. Eggs are commonly infertile
or will fungus and are eaten by the parents. Some pairs will
eventually hatch out some fry but others will never manage. Try
lowering the water hardness to increase fertility rates and if all
else fails, remove the eggs (they are usually on a stone which makes
this easy) and hatch then out in a separate tank with enough
methylene blue to colour the water and an air stone for water
movement and extra oxygen.
Fry hatch out in 2 or 3 days and spend the next 5
days or so wriggling and do not need fed. When they are free
swimming, start them on infusoria and microworm. Newly hatched brine
shrimp can be fed after another 2 or 3 days. Growth is leisurely to
begin with but picks up after a couple of months. Juveniles should
be ready to move on at around 6 months and they will start breeding
in their growing out tanks at this age.
Health
Many of the specimens offered for sale in the
shops are of poor quality and should be avoided. A healthy Ram will
be bright and alert. It should carry its fins erect and will often be
sparring with its tank mates. Don't buy fish that are thin or are
breathing heavily.
Rams are prone to a disease that is similar to,
or may even be, hole in the head
disease. Look out for small pits or open wounds around the eyes and
head. The cause of this ailment isn't known for certain and there is
no cure.
If possible, obtain your fish from a local breeder.
USA Show standards
Size: 5.5cm
Breeding category: C
Show class: DC.
Summary
M. ramirezi is a stunning fish when the
conditions are right and makes a good breeding project for the
intermediate hobbyist. Pick your stock carefully to avoid
disappointment.
References
Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982):
Aquarium Atlas
Fishbase
species summary
Kullander, S.O., 1998. A phylogeny and classification of the South
American Cichlidae (Teleostei: Perciformes).. p. 461-498. In: L.R.
Malabarba, R.E. Reis, R.P. Vari, Z.M. Lucena and C.A.S. Lucena
(eds.) Phylogeny and classification of neotropical fishes. Porto
Alegre, Edipucrs. 603 p.
Personal observation
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