Description
🐟 Dark Knight Ram Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (selective breed)
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Family: Cichlidae
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Origin: Captive-bred variant (original species from Venezuela & Colombia, South America)
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Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)
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Lifespan: 3 – 4 years
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Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 80 – 150 ppm
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pH: 6.0 – 7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
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Temperature: 26 – 30°C (79 – 86°F)
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Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Known for its striking dark, almost black body with hints of blue shimmer.
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Compact, oval body shape – elegant and attractive.
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Peaceful but may show mild territorial behavior when breeding.
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More sensitive than Bolivian Rams – needs stable, clean water.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).
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Feeding: 2–3 small meals daily, avoid overfeeding.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.
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Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow – clean, stable water is key.
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Decor: Fine sand, live plants, caves, driftwood.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best in pairs or small harems (1 male + 2 females).
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Tank Mates: Peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf gouramis.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish, large predatory cichlids.
✅ Do’s
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Provide a planted tank with hiding spots.
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Keep water parameters stable and soft.
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Pair them up for best behavior and breeding.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t mix with very aggressive or large fish.
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Don’t keep in unstable or dirty water.
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Don’t overcrowd – they stress easily.
⭐ Quick Tips
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A rare and beautiful ram variant, highly sought after by aquarists.
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Needs more care than common rams – best for aquarists with some experience.
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Ideal centerpiece fish for a peaceful community aquarium.
