(F91) Dark Knight Ram Cichlid

Description

🐟 Dark Knight Ram Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (selective breed)

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Captive-bred variant (original species from Venezuela & Colombia, South America)

• Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)

• Lifespan: 3 – 4 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 80 – 150 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)

• Temperature: 26 – 30°C (79 – 86°F)

• Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Known for its striking dark, almost black body with hints of blue shimmer.

• Compact, oval body shape – elegant and attractive.

• Peaceful but may show mild territorial behavior when breeding.

• More sensitive than Bolivian Rams – needs stable, clean water.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).

• Feeding: 2–3 small meals daily, avoid overfeeding.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow – clean, stable water is key.

• Decor: Fine sand, live plants, caves, driftwood.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Best in pairs or small harems (1 male + 2 females).

• Tank Mates: Peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf gouramis.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish, large predatory cichlids.

✅ Do’s

• Provide a planted tank with hiding spots.

• Keep water parameters stable and soft.

• Pair them up for best behavior and breeding.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t mix with very aggressive or large fish.

• Don’t keep in unstable or dirty water.

• Don’t overcrowd – they stress easily.

⭐ Quick Tips

• A rare and beautiful ram variant, highly sought after by aquarists.

• Needs more care than common rams – best for aquarists with some experience.

• Ideal centerpiece fish for a peaceful community aquarium.