Ramirezi-Black Knight

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra

Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Size: Grows to about 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) in length.
  • Color: Males are vibrant with blue, green, and yellow colors, and have distinctive red or orange accents on their belly and fins. Females are less colorful, generally showing more subdued hues and a rounder belly.
  • Body Shape: Oval and slightly compressed body with a short, blunt snout.

• Behavior:

  • Activity Level: Generally peaceful and calm. They spend time in the lower to middle parts of the tank.
  • Social Behavior: Enjoys companionship in pairs or small groups. Males may exhibit territorial behavior, especially during breeding.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum: 20 gallons (76 liters). Larger tanks are preferable for stability and space.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft, fine gravel or sand is recommended. They like to sift through the substrate.
  • Decorations: Provide hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and plants. A well-planted tank with plenty of cover is ideal.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable, with subdued lighting and ample hiding spots.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
  • pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
  • Filtration: Effective filtration with gentle water flow is important. Ensure good oxygenation.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Omnivorous. Provide a varied diet including high-quality flakes or pellets, live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional vegetable matter or algae-based foods.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Peaceful and suitable for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.
  • Tank Mates: Compatible with small tetras, rasboras, and other peaceful fish. Avoid larger or aggressive species.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to maintain water quality.
  • Cleaning: Keep the tank clean and ensure the filtration system is functioning properly.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness such as changes in coloration, unusual behavior, or fin clamping. Maintaining stable water conditions helps prevent diseases.
  • Treatment: Address any health issues promptly with appropriate treatments.

• Additional Notes:

  • Lifespan: Typically 4-5 years with proper care.
  • Breeding: Known for being good parents. They may spawn in the tank and require a suitable breeding area with soft substrate or flat surfaces.