Royal Rams- advice please!

[Minxnfella]

Hi
I was hoping someone could help me. I've been eying up the royal ramazeris (or something like that!) recently, but I'm unsure as to whether or not it would be good for the fish to have any. I have a 3ft tank with danios and guppies and a couple of plecs. Do you think they would be ok in there? I've asked in a couple of shops but they've both said they would be, but that could mean anything, right?
Any help/advice would be appreciated. The other thing is if anyone has any good links to info on them because I can't seem to find any for some strange reason! Probably because I can't remember their names.
Ta
x

 

[Amadaca]

Are you referring to Microgeophagus Ramirezi? Commonly referred to as the Ram, or Butterfly, Cichlid? If so, I've kept these fish with small Tetras & Guppies, no qualms there.

 

[Minxnfella]

Hi, thanks for replying so quickly. To be perfectly honest I don't know. I've only seen them called royal rams...they're a sort of cream and pink colour with mohican dorsal fins right?

 

[Amadaca]

Some can vary their colour & appearance according to mood. The Cichlid family aren't my strong point, I'm afraid, but I'm certain a quick search through Google would soon identify your fish! I also see CichlidMaster is online, little help here mate?

I wish we could post fotos on this board.

 

[Amadaca]

Okay, Microgeophagus Ramirezi is the Blue Ram which I have kept successfully with gentle community fish, I've never held a Royal one & can't seem to find any info on them at Google.

I'm sure one of the Cichlid fans here will have a wealth of info on them, however. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.

 

[semper fi]

that is part of the problem with trade names. no two lfs may use the same name! safer bet to get the scientific name. found this reference that may help you decide which one it is.

http/www.webcityof.com/miff1061.htm#Micr...ophagusramirezi

or this one

http/c1.zedo.com//ads2/f/18222/3853/254/...-autobytel.html

maggie

 

[Waterloo Kid]

Hi,
I'm pretty sure you mean M. Ramirezi as stated before (one of mine is in the little picture on the left). I bought mine under the name 'Royal Rams'. They're great fish with strong cichlid character. I have two in a 400 litre tank with danios, neons, glowlights, neon rainbowfish and gourami. I've only had mine for three weeks so don't have much experience but they do like soft, slightly acidic water at around 25 Celcius. Mine bicker between themselves but tend to leave the rest of the tankmates alone. They sometimes have a go at the gourami. I assume that this is because they are the only other fish in the tank that they perceive as a threat. Although the gourami are only 2/3 the size of the rams I have seen them fight back, and win! Apparently the rams only get really territorial whilst breeding as they defend the eggs and young fry. I love these little guys. They are the only fish in my tank that appear to be aware of me at times other than feeding times. When I walk over to the tank they come over to the front of the tank to see me. I've found that they like to have a couple of densely planted hideaways too for when they're not in the mood to socialise.
As far as food goes, mine eat flake, Tetraprima and frozen foods (especially bloodworm). I also treat them now and again with peas (frozen peas, shell removed and microwaved in water for about 20 seconds, cooled in cold water, squashed between my fingers and dropped into the tank). One pea each does the trick.
A three-foot tank may be a bit too small for a couple of these guys (get two minimum or they sulk and don't show their best colours), especially if you get a male and female and they breed! You could find yourself with the rams in one end of the tank and all the other fish on the other side!
Hope this is helpful.

Waterloo Kid