Edit Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
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Name
Scientific name
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Described by
Authority Myers & Harry, Year 1948, Bracketed
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Ram
Photograph credits
All 22 credited
Summary
The ram, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, is a dwarf cichlid from the llanos of the Rio Orinoco drainage in Venezuela and Colombia. Among the more …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
40mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 27–30°C, pH 4–7
Hardness
1–10dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Colombia, Venezuela, Orinoco
Writing
Etymology
Mikrogeophagus: from the Greek μικρός (mikrós), meaning 'small', and the generic name Geophagus. ramirezi: apparently chosen to avoid confusion because the nam…
Distribution
The majority of literature suggests that this species is restricted to the Venezuelan and Colombian llanos of the Río Orinoco drainage, although one of the spe…
Habitat
The Llanos is a vast, highly biodiverse system of tropical savannah grasslands, seasonally-flooded plains and forests covering an area measuring almost 600,000…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with a base measuring 60 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent is sufficient for a single pair.
Maintenance
Provided adequate cover and structure is available this species is unfussy with regards to décor with ceramic flowerpots, lengths of plastic piping and other a…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Mikrogeophagus spp. are benthophagous by nature, normally taking mouthfuls of substrate which are sifted for edible items with the remaining material expelled …
Behaviour and compatibility
Despite normally being sold as such M. ramirezi is not recommended for the general community aquarium since it requires pristine water quality and is a poor co…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males grow larger than females, possess slightly more-extended fins, and are more intensely-coloured. Most females possess a pinkish patch on the belly w…
Reproduction
This species is a biparental substrate spawner and is best bred in a dedicated set-up with no other fishes present. There does not appear to be any particular …
Notes
M. ramirezi is also known by the names 'Ramirez' dwarf cichlid' and 'butterfly cichlid' and is among the more popular dwarf cichlids in the aquarium hobby. As …
References
References
7 on this profile