Golden Balloon Longfin Ram – Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

The Golden Balloon Longfin Ram is a striking variant of the popular Ram Cichlid, featuring a compact, rounded body, elongated flowing fins, and a brilliant golden-yellow hue. This peaceful dwarf cichlid is a stunning centerpiece for a well-maintained community aquarium.

Description:

Common Name: Golden Balloon Longfin Ram

Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Family: Cichlidae

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

Temperament: Peaceful but territorial, especially during breeding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Native Region:

The wild form of the Ram Cichlid is native to the slow-moving, warm waters of the Orinoco River basin in South America, but this selectively bred variety is now widely available in the aquarium trade.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons

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

pH: 5.5-7.0

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel with plenty of plants, driftwood, and caves for shelter.

Additional Tips:

Tank Mates: Best kept with other peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras. Avoid aggressive or overly active fish.

Water Quality: Sensitive to poor water conditions; requires regular water changes and stable parameters.

Diet: Provide a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp for optimal health and coloration.