Genus
Mikrogeophagus
- Species
- 2
- Photographed
- 2 of 2
- Difficulty rated
- 2 of 2
Where the name comes fromEdit
from the Greek μικρός (mikrós), meaning 'small', and the generic name Geophagus.
Mikrogeophagus altispinosusBolivian Ram
Haseman, 1911
The Bolivian ram, Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, is a cichlid endemic to the upper rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil. Also traded as 'hi-fin ram' and 'Bolivian butterfly', it is larger and less colourful than M. ramirezi and lacks its blue iridescent markings, and it is arguably a better choice for less-experienced aquarists. A soft, sandy substrate is essential, and it needs pristine water quality.
Mikrogeophagus ramireziRam
Myers & Harry, 1948
The ram, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, is a dwarf cichlid from the llanos of the Rio Orinoco drainage in Venezuela and Colombia. Among the more popular dwarf cichlids in the hobby, it is produced commercially in huge numbers, and ornamental strains such as 'gold', 'long-finned' and 'balloon' tend to be genetically weak and short-lived. Wild fish are of superior stock but more demanding, and it requires pristine water quality.