ramirezi

Scientific name Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Descriptor Myers & Harry
Year of description 1948
IUCN category LC
Family Cichlidae
Genus Mikrogeophagus
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Introduction

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, commonly known as ramirezi, is a little fresh water fish from the Amérique du Sud.

Who is it?

Genus Mikrogeophagus

In 2020, the Mikrogeophagus genus includes only two different species: M. altispinosus and M. ramirezi. These two dwarf species are found in South American freshwaters. Mikrogeophagus is one of the most controversial genus among American freshwater fishes. At least thirty years were needed before the genus has officially been recognised. To this day, both species are sometimes still called differently:  Apistogramma can be used for the ramirezi (or ram cichlid), Crenicara for the altispinosus, and finally Microgeophagus or Papiliochromis for both of them. The first reference to a species of this genus dates back to 1948, when an article written by William T. Innes regarding ornamental fishes, had been published in a specialised magazine. The species Mikrogeophagus ramirezi was described as an Apistogramma ramirezi fish by George S. Myers and Robert R. Harry. Although its morphology is different from the Apistogramma one, the ram cichlid (M. ramirezi) has been classified in the Apistogramma genus for years. The Microgeophagus name has been used in 1957 for the first time, in a book about aquarium fishes. But it's only in 1971, following an article written by fish expert Axelrod, that the Microgeophagus genus name stood out. At this time, some voices raised for a new description of the ram cichlid among the Geophagus genus, a close genus composed of South American soil-eating cichlids. In the 1970s, both species of the genus were frequently mixed up. Ram cichlids imported from Bolivia actually were altispinosus fishes. Then in 1977, Kullander described the Papiliochromis genus using a ram cichlid as a standard species. This new name was largely adopted, but in the 1980s, several renowned scientists stated that the genus name Microgeophagus, at this time spelled Mikrogeophagus, prevailed over Papiliochromis, because it was used before to describe both species. What are the differences between Mikrogeophagus and Apistogramma fishes ? Mikrogeophagus and Apistogramma fishes are very different in their morphology and their behaviour, including reproduction. Dimorphism is less significant for Mikrogeophagus. Females are slightly smaller, but their colours are very similar to male ones. In the Apistogramma genus, males are significantly bigger and have more elongated fins. In addition, males and females have often very different colours. The Mikrogeophagus female has a small lateral spot on its body, which the Apistogramma female does not have. Regarding reproduction, Mikrogeophagus fishes are exclusively monogamous, whereas several Apistogramma species are polygamous. In the Mikrogeophagus genus, both parents nurture their offsprings and egg-laying occurs on horizontal areas or in pits. On the other side, Apistogramma fishes lay their eggs most of the time on wooden or vertical areas. The female alone takes care of the eggs, while the male is defending the territory. Apparently, the ram cichlid was initially classified in the Apistogramma genus because of its small size and the presence of an epibranchial lobe, even though this lobe is much bigger for other Mikrogeophagus fishes. Actually, Mikrogeophagus fishes are closer to big soil-eating species of the Acarichthys, Biotodoma, Geophagus, Gymnogeophagus and Retroculus genera than to Apistogramma fishes.

Morphology

How to recognize the ramirezi ?

The ramirezi measures between 3 and 4 cm. Given its small size, this species is commonly referred to as a "dwarf" animal. This fish is multicolore with a predominantly bleu, orange and noir body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or in a group
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The ramirezi is a fish living as a couple or in a group naturally found near the bottom. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency . Measuring only a few centimeters, this small species tends to be discreet and hide in the presence of larger neighbors.

Although slightly territorial, the ramirezi is a rather peaceful animal that generally behaves in a peaceful manner with other species. It should be noted that it is sometimes less tolerant with its conspecifics. Parades or even small jousts may occur between different members of the group until a hierarchy is established.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert

The ramirezi is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    23 - 30 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    4.5 - 6.5
  • gh (hardness)
    1 - 6

Biotope presentation

The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".

This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    80 liters
  • Population min
    2
  • Temperature
    23 - 30 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    6 - 6.8

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    hard
  • Robustness
    sensible
  • Behaviour
    peaceful
  • Availability
    standard

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the ramirezi

The ramirezi is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 23 °C and 30 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 33°C for long periods. The ramirezi is sensitive to abrupt changes in parameters as well as to chemicals. Its acclimation in an aquarium must be done with special care to prevent it from developing diseases or weaknesses. Nitrate levels should remain below 25mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.

The ramirezi is a species whose maintenance is rather reserved for informed aquarists . It can only be successfully carried out by carrying out a minimum of documentation work. Special husbandry conditions can easily lead to the death of the species.

This species is particularly common in the aquarium trade. Animals from long-term breeding are usually acclimatized at a temperature of about 26 °C in neutral water.

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 80 liters.

Fearful by nature, it is advised not to let the ramirezi cohabit with large territorial species or with too aggressive fish. It can easily evolve with territorial neighbors with a peaceful temperament or with non-territorial species.

Be careful to plan an adequate space for each territorial species. Each species should have a surface and a decor allowing it to juxtapose its territory with that of its neighbors.

The ramirezi is a fish that generally lives in groups outside of the reproduction periods. If you want to reproduce them and have a good chance of forming a couple, it is recommended to keep at least 5 individuals.. In a community aquarium, the chances of survival of the larvae are almost null. After a few spawns, it is preferable to isolate the couple or to separate from the other members of the group.

The hierarchical organization and the aggressiveness between fellow fish can weaken certain individuals, the presence of hiding places becomes then necessary. If you wish to add new members, it is better to introduce younger fish. They will have a better chance of integrating into the new balance.

It should be noticed that this species should not be kept with large crustaceans or fish, as it would become a prey of choice. Smaller species should preferably be inserted in the aquarium some time before the larger ones. Moreover, if you want to breed it, it is better to put them in a specific aquarium.

The species enjoys a particularly vegetation-rich environment. The addition of plants will provide many useful hiding places for resting. These areas are also conducive to possible breeding in the aquarium. Floating plants such as Salvinia can be added to recreate the subdued atmosphere characteristic of its living conditions in the wild.

Acid Water Maintenance

The ramirezi living naturally in acidic water, generally in "black" or "sieved" water, the implementation of a filtration on peat is ideal for its balance. Adding decaying leaves and alder fruit can significantly improve living conditions by naturally increasing acidity of some water.

Tips for feeding

The ramirezi is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.

Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO

Reproduction protocol

  • egg-laying protection
    Yes

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

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To go further

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To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Bibliographic references

Check List of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America - Carl J. Ferraris, Jr. - Roberto E. Reis - Sven O. Kullander - EDIPUCRS - 2003.

Male mate choice for a female ornament in a monogamous cichlid fish, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi - Lori H. LaPlante - Samantha Delaney - journal of fish biology - 2020.

Nomenclatural availability of putative scientific generic names applied to the South American cichlid fish Apistogramma ramirezi Myers & Harry, 1948 (Teleostei: Cichlidae) - Sven O. Kullander - ZOOTAXA - 2011.

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