Care
Rams are a peaceful, but delicate dwarf cichlid species that are recommended for experienced aquarists. They are best maintained as a male-female pair in a peaceful community setting with lots of plants and caves. They must only be kept in softwater aquaria, and should not be housed with any aggressive species which may bully them. Small groups of Rams can be kept together, but you may find that certain fish pair off, and when breeding, they can become a little territorial towards others. Frequent partial water changes are essential in the successful keeping of this species " excellent water quality must be maintained at all times. Most specimens offered for sale in the trade are captive-bred. Wild-caught fish can be larger and seasonally colourful, so usually a fish for the dedicated dwarf cichlid afficionado. In all forms, females are more rounded with proportionately smaller fins and where they are capable of displaying them, extra spangles against their mid-lateral black blotch together with pink bellies when ripe.
The first selectively bred form of this fish was produced by German aquarists and these robust and colourful 'German Blue' rams are not as widespread as the over use of this name would suggest.
Cultivated golden, long-finned, electric blue and balloon varieties of this species are also available. A 'black' form has recently appeared and although a rather generous description, it does have increased amounts of dark pigmentation.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp and daphnia.
Breeding
To breed your Rams, the water must be very soft (<5 dH) with a pH <7.0. The water temperature should be set at the high end of their preferred range. Females can lay up to 400 eggs (although 250 is a typical average sized brood), which both male and female will take turns in guarding and fanning with their pectoral fins. These eggs should hatch after 48-72 hours and the fry will become free-swimming after 5 days, at which stage they can be offered tiny foods such as infusoria and microworms, moving on to larger foodstuffs as they grow. The parent fish will herd the youngsters around the tank, protecting them from any potential predators. If you wish to ensure a high survival rate for your eggs/fry, it would be prudent to set up a dedicated breeding tank for this purpose.
