In every pet store you can find them. Ram cichlids! It is one of the most popular and well-known aquarium fish there is. Due to its attractive appearance, it is an eye-catcher in any tank, which is why it is so popular. Furthermore, due to its body size, it can easily be kept in aquariums with an edge length of 80 cm.

Water parameters for ram cichlids

• PH value: 5 – 6.5
• GH (total hardness): 2° – 10° dGH
• KH (carbonate hardness): 1° – 5° dKH
  
• Temperature: 24° – 31°C

Appearance

The best known are probably the South American ram cichlids. This one convinces with many different colors and patterns on its body. Orange, yellow, red, white, light and dark blue decorate its body. The tail fin is reddish with blue points. By purposeful breeding one finds in the meantime already other colorations like that of the South American ram cichlid. So there is “electric blue” which has a red coloring from head to dorsal fin. The rest of the body of the animal is blue. Additionally there are completely yellow or also more reddish animals. With sufficient feeding ram cichlids grow up to 7 cm.

Breeding

The breeding of ram cichlids is usually relatively simple. Often the animals start spawning shortly after being introduced into the aquarium. This happens about every 3 weeks thereafter. To create ideal conditions, a tank with a length of about 1 m and a height of about 30 cm should be used. The bottom ground should consist of sand. There should be a few plants in it. In addition, flat stones or even roots should be available for spawning. The water must have, if possible a low water hardness as well as a low pH-value. Furthermore, a temperature of about 28°C is best for breeding.

Keeping ram cichlids

When keeping in a community tank, it is recommended to use an aquarium with an edge length of at least 80 cm. One part should be densely planted, but there should still be enough free space for swimming. In addition to plants, there should also be some hiding places for the animals in the aquarium. For example, coconut shells, roots or even stones are suitable, which provide a shelter. For ram cichlids to stay healthy, proper nutrition is essential. Since this fish is a pure carnivore, frozen or live food should be fed regularly. However, after acclimation, you can also feed them with flake food or granules. They are kept in pairs.