Black Ram – Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

The Black Ram is a striking freshwater cichlid known for its deep, velvety black coloration and elegant finnage. This selectively bred variant of the popular Ram Cichlid is a great choice for aquarists seeking a unique and visually captivating fish for their aquarium.

Description:

Common Name: Black Ram

Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Family: Cichlidae

Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive, especially during breeding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Native Region:

While the wild Ram Cichlid originates from the slow-moving waters of the Orinoco River basin in South America, the Black Ram is a selectively bred variant not found in the wild.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons

Temperature: 78-85F (26-29C)

pH: 5.0-7.0

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel with plenty of plants and hiding spots.

Additional Tips:

Social Behavior: Best kept in pairs or small groups; can be territorial during spawning.

Compatibility: Suitable tank mates include tetras, corydoras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and other community fish.

Diet: Offer high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and occasional plant-based foods for balanced nutrition.