Gold Ram

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichliformes›Cichlidae

📍 Orinoco Basin, Venezuela & Colombia

Golden colour morph of the Ram Cichlid. Bright yellow-gold body with blue sparkle accents. Popular and beautiful dwarf cichlid.

Size2.5"

Min Tank20g

School2+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Gold Rams are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, small flake foods, and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplement occasionally with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based foods to support digestive health.

Behavior

Gold Rams are peaceful, bottom-dwelling cichlids that spend much of their time foraging along the substrate and exploring vegetation. They are generally shy and benefit from plenty of hiding spots and plants to feel secure. Males may display territorial behavior during breeding, but they remain non-aggressive toward other peaceful community fish.

Breeding

Breeding Gold Rams in captivity is moderately difficult and requires stable water conditions (pH 5.5–6.5, temperature 28–30°C) and a dedicated breeding tank with flat surfaces for egg-laying. Pairs are typically monogamous and will guard eggs and fry aggressively; remove other fish to prevent conflict. Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro pellets.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with similar water requirements and non-competitive feeding habits

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water zones and won't compete with bottom-dwelling Rams

excellent

Neon Tetra

Peaceful community fish with similar temperature preferences; avoid very small fry as Rams may predate them

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Rams may predate small shrimp; use dense vegetation and provide plenty of hiding places

caution

Anubias Barteri

Hardy plant that provides shelter and won't be uprooted by foraging Rams

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays within optimal range

Bloat (Dropsy)

Symptoms

Swollen belly, scales standing on end, loss of appetite, lethargy

Treatment

Perform large water changes, fast the fish for 2-3 days, feed high-quality varied diet with vegetable matter; use antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected

Hole-in-the-Head Disease

Symptoms

Pits or holes developing on the head, loss of appetite, weight loss

Treatment

Improve water quality and perform frequent water changes, use activated carbon in filter, feed varied diet with quality foods; may require antiparasitic treatment