Long-Fin Ram Care Guide
The Long-Fin Ram is a selectively bred line of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi with extended dorsal and caudal fins, needing warm, soft, pristine water.
Overview
The Long-Fin Ram is a selectively bred ornamental line of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, a dwarf cichlid endemic to the Orinoco River basin in the savannahs of Venezuela and Colombia. It is selected for extended dorsal and caudal fins. Care follows that of the wild ram.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Mikrogeophagus
- Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi "Long-Fin"
- Base species: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Habitat
The wild ram occupies the Orinoco llanos, a region of tropical savannah and seasonally flooded plains and forests, where waters are warm and acidic with very low mineral content.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
Pristine, stable water is essential. The elongated fins are best displayed in low-flow planted tanks; fin-nipping tankmates should be avoided.
Diet
Naturally benthophagic, the ram sifts substrate for food. It is an omnivore in the aquarium that accepts live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Artemia and Daphnia, with quality sinking prepared foods, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful, mid-water dwarf cichlid that forms monogamous pairs; males are intolerant of other males. Calm community tankmates such as small tetras, corydoras and otocinclus suit it, while tiger barbs, angelfish and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
M. ramirezi is a biparental substrate spawner. Adhesive eggs are laid on flat surfaces and tended by both parents; clutches of about 150-300 eggs hatch in roughly 40 hours near 29 °C, with larvae free-swimming after around five days. Breeding difficulty is intermediate.