Mikrogeophagus ramirezi- Mikrogeophagus ramirezi distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Mikrogeophagus;
Species and synonyms: Apistogramma ramirezi (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, Apistogramma ramirezi, Butterfly Cichlid, Ram Cichlid, Blue Ram, German Ram).
GBIF:
Apistogramma ramirezi (lat. Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Mikrogeophagus. One of the most popular dwarf cichlids in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of Apistogramma ramirezi covers the Orinoco River basin in South America, including territories of Colombia and Venezuela. The fish prefer slow-moving waters with sandy bottoms, rich in vegetation, often found in backwaters and floodplain lakes. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.
Care requirements. Apistogramma ramirezi is a dwarf cichlid that grows up to 5–7 cm in the aquarium. To keep a pair or a small group, an aquarium of at least 60 liters with a length of 60 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 5.5–7.0. Good filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are important. Sandy substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters, as well as dense thickets of plants (preferably with small leaves) are placed at the bottom.
Apistogramma ramirezi are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and plant debris in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality flakes and pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops). It is important to vary the diet and provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 2–3 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Apistogramma ramirezi are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are peaceful and get along well with other peaceful fish. Recommended tankmates include tetras, rasboras, corydoras, small characins and other fish of similar size. It is not recommended to keep them with large or aggressive fish that may bully them.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Apistogramma ramirezi are substrate spawners: they lay eggs on flat stones or in small depressions in the substrate. They reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh, soft and slightly acidic water, with a temperature increase to 28°C, are recommended. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Fry are fed infusoria, Artemia nauplii and microworms, and grow rather slowly.
Apistogramma ramirezi is known for many selective forms, the most popular of which are: "Electric Blue", "Golden", "Balloon", as well as veiltail variations. All forms have a characteristic high, laterally compressed body with a bright color palette — from blue and yellow to orange and pink. Life expectancy is 3–5 years.