Longfin Gold Ram (2”)

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (Longfin Gold Ram)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:
The Longfin Gold Ram is a selectively bred variant of the Ram Cichlid. Adults typically reach 2.5–3 inches in length. With proper care, their lifespan is usually 2–3 years, though some may live slightly longer under ideal conditions.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care:

• Tank size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair, with larger aquariums (30+ gallons) preferred for community setups.

• Water changes: Weekly 25–40% water changes are essential to maintain pristine water quality, as rams are sensitive to fluctuations in parameters.

• Water parameters: Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal:

  • Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)

  • pH: 5.5–7.0
    

• Care: Provide a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots (driftwood, rocks, caves, and broad-leaved plants). A sandy substrate is ideal, as rams like to sift through fine material. Stable, clean water is critical, as this strain is more delicate than wild forms.

Tankmates:
Longfin Gold Rams are generally peaceful dwarf cichlids but can be territorial during breeding. They do best with other small, calm species. Suitable tankmates include:

• Tetras (cardinals, rummy-nose, embers), Corydoras catfish,Peaceful dwarf gouramis, small to medium sized plecos, Otocinclus, Angelfish, and Discus
  

Avoid fin-nippers or overly aggressive/large fish that may stress them.

Diet:
They are omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods. A balanced diet includes:

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets

• Frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms

• Occasional vegetable matter spirulina flakes/pellets

Feeding small amounts 1-2 times daily is recommended with 1 day of fasting to avoid bloating.

Overview Before Natural Environment:
The Longfin Gold Ram is a domestically bred ornamental strain of the Ram Cichlid. Unlike wild-type rams, it does not occur naturally in rivers. Selective breeding has produced its gold coloration and elongated finnage, which make it prized in the aquarium trade. It retains the same care requirements as wild M. ramirezi, but is generally more sensitive due to the long extended fins.

Natural Environment (Wild-Type Reference):
Wild Mikrogeophagus ramirezi originate from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia. They inhabit warm, slow-flowing streams, floodplains, and lagoons with sandy bottoms, submerged roots, and dense vegetation. The water is typically soft, warm, and acidic, with plenty of leaf litter providing cover.

Breeding:

• Longfin Gold Rams are biparental substrate spawners. A bonded pair will clean a flat surface (stone, leaf, or tank bottom) before spawning.

• Females lay 50-150 eggs, which are fertilized and guarded by the male, while both parents fan the eggs to prevent fungus.

• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming within a week.

• Parents often guard fry diligently, though some captive strains have weakened parental instincts.

• Fry can be raised on live baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes/pellets once larger.