M. ramirezi (Myers & Harry, 1948)
Ramirez's dwarf cichlid or ram
Family Cichlids (Cichlidae)
Order Perciformes (Perch and related)

South American dwarf cichlid species-cano which is also called Apistogramma or Papilio-chromis ramirezzi .

It is a stylized fish body endowed with rich colors and lots of character among members of the same species.

Size

To 9 cm.

Habitat

Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil in slow-flowing waters where there are a lot of submerged roots and lush vegetation, much of which is in the process of decomposition.

Length aquarium

From 60 cm.
Water Conditions

PH 6 to 7; soft water

Temperature

From 22 to 27 º C.

Maintenance

Aquarium endowed with lush vegetation, which because of its abundance and dark-pears the bottom. We recommend using dark substrate decorated with roots and rocks that constitute refuges. Similarly it will leave enough room to swim.

The ram is especially sensitive to the presence of nitrogen compounds in the water. Included nitrate which must not be present in amounts above 10 mg / l. Consideration should be given to changing water and using conditioners to avoid abrupt changes occur.

Feeding

It is an omnivorous species that likes to catch small live prey. Is recommendable to give a varied diet based on frozen or freeze-filizados, flakes and tablets. Also accept homemade porridge but special care must be taken with water pollution. As for food is flakes should not abuse them being highly recommended as a substitute granulated food offer.

Differences enter sexes

The males have a much more intense color than females and larger. The second dorsal fin radius tends to be longer among males. Females usually indistinguishable by redness of the abdomen and have more rounded body (among young specimens is very difficult to distinguish). Before spawning the female is recognized by a short ovipositor.

Association

The ram are peaceful fish that like to live as a couple where both special functions are distributed címenes care of the fry. Often show violent skills and spawning seasons when mixed several individuals of the same sex (including females). It can be maintained with groundfish peaceful character and peaceful schooling fish at higher levels. If the tank is large enough you can have multiple partners which quickly demarcate their territories.

Reproduction

To force the breeding we place the pH below 7 to 6.5 environment and reduce the carbonate hardness below 3 °. We recommend peat filtration. The female is the male who seeks in its territory. Spawning takes place on rocks or in a hollow of the substrate. Upon completion of the male who will be in charge of it. The eggs hatch within two days and the parents move the fry to safety. (Between 150 and 200 eggs per clutch). Feed newly hatched brine shrimp.

Degree of difficulty: beginner, advanced, experienced

Advanced Amateur