Description
Golden Ram Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: South America (Orinoco River Basin)
Size: 2.5 – 3 inches (6 – 7.5 cm)
Lifespan: 3 – 4 years
Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 80 – 150 ppm
pH: 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic)
Temperature: 26 – 30°C (79 – 86°F)
Hardness: 2 – 8 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Bright golden-yellow body with a metallic sheen.
Peaceful, shy, and calm – great centerpiece fish.
Males are larger and slimmer; females are rounder with pinkish bellies.
Sensitive to poor water – need stable, clean conditions.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.
Feeding: Small portions 2 times daily.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.
Filtration: Gentle but strong enough to keep water clean.
Decor: Live plants, caves, driftwood, and soft substrate.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly, stable conditions are important.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Best kept as a pair or small group (4–6).
Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf gouramis.
Avoid: Aggressive or very large fish (Oscars, Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys).
✅ Do’s
Keep them in warm, soft, slightly acidic water.
Provide hiding spaces with plants and caves.
Choose calm tank mates.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t mix with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
Don’t expose them to sudden water changes.
Don’t keep in dirty or overcrowded tanks.
⭐ Quick Tips
Golden Rams are peaceful dwarf cichlids perfect for planted community tanks.
Require a bit more care than hardy fish but reward with stunning colors.
Can breed in home aquariums under the right conditions
