Ram Cichlid

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Ram Cichlid is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Ram Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.7" (≤ 4.2 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 81–86°F (27–30°C)
pH: 4–7
GH: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 4 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 4 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 27–30 °C, pH 4–7, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ram Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Provide small live and frozen foods to the bottom; verify both fish feed, particularly around energetic tankmates.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Venezuela, Colombia.

Natural habitat: Lowland waters of the Orinoco Llanos in Venezuela and Colombia.

Important notes

Warm (approximately 27–30°C), mature, stable aquarium; unsuitable as an automatic match for cooler-water fish.
A pair is conditional on actual compatibility; breeding cichlids defend territories; slow feeding can fail with boisterous tankmates.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Ram Cichlid get?

Ram Cichlid reaches ≤ 1.7" (≤ 4.2 cm).

What aquarium size does Ram Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Ram Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Ram Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Ram Cichlid?

Keep it between 27 to 30 °C.