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Ram cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) — Cichlidae

Ram cichlid

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Family: Cichlidae

The Ram cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The ram cichlid is a small, colourful cichlid from fresh water of the Orinoco basin in Venezuela and Colombia. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a deep, yellow-green body with blue gloss-spots, a red eye stripe and black fin accents. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives in warm, plant-rich streams and pools and eats small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. It is an attentive parental brooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is highly popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ram cichlid?

The Ram cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Ram cichlid live?

The Ram cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Ram cichlid get?

The Ram cichlid grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Ram cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Ram cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ram-dwergcichlide sourced
English name
Ram cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Dwarf cichlid; Ram; Ram cichlid; Ramirezi verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cichlidae

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