Mikrogeophagus ramirezi  (Apistogramma ramirezi or Ram)

A naturally shy fish which is suitable for small tanks - if you want to experience the joy of cichlid keeping. Shy even in nature where it reacts to any sudden fish move by hiding. The use of "dither fish" is recommended - this will give the ram a feel of security. A densely planted tank which can be as small as 60 X 40 cm is recommended (height doesn't matter for rams). In such a tank one male with 5-6 females can be housed. In a tank sized 120 x 45 cm one can house 2 males with the same number of females and soon each male will define its own territory. The bottom should be sand or fine gravel preferably dark colored. An open substrate breeder. The male has more color in the anal fins and its dorsal fin is more "pointed" than the female's. A temperature of 25-26 C is preferred along with a GH>3.

Comment by our visitor, Trevor Cotton (received on April 17, 2002)

The picture on your new profile of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi is wrong - the photos are of Mikrogeophagus altispinosa, commonly known as the "Bolivian ram". Spelling of the genus name is "Mikro" rather than "Micro" according to Sven Kullander.

Many thanks Trevor.

Photo by G.Reclos-MCH ; bottom photo by Nikos Tsitouras