If you are a fan of small but interestingly colored aquarium fish, it is very possible that the Ramireza Cichlid is the choice for you. The fish we will describe in the text naturally occur in Venezuela. They do not require a lot of experience from the aquarist, so they are eagerly chosen even by people who are just starting their adventure with this hobby. What do they look like and what should the guardian provide them? Read about Ramirez’s nurse now!
Where do Ramirez’s Cichlids come from?
The natural habitat of Ramirez’s Cichlid is Llanos. It is an extensive savannah system that lies in the area of Venezuela and Colombia. It is flooded seasonally and there is a very high biodiversity.
Cichlids of this species live in calm waters with a gentle current. They live right next to places where vegetation is very rich.
What does Ramirez’s cichlid look like?
Ramirez’s cichlids are medium-sized fish. In nature, they reach a length of up to 7 centimeters, but the individuals found in aquariums are usually smaller.
The most appreciated variety is the Ramireza electric blue cichlid, but you will also find on sale:
- gold;
- voucher;
- tall;
- veiled;
- blue.
The pet’s body is slightly flattened on both sides. Like most cichlids, ramirezki have well-developed teeth. They are also distinguished by the way of swimming. They accelerate, then brake quite sharply and continue on.
Ramirez’s Cichlid – disposition
Ramirez’s cichlid is a very gentle fish with a peaceful disposition. Males only become aggressive at spawning.
Some kind of aggression may also appear in them when they are overrun or in too small an aquarium. In such cases, it is not uncommon for fish to conflict. Most often, however, disputes are limited to arguments within one’s own species.
What aquarium should the Ramireza cichlid live in?
One pair of Ramirez’s nurses requires an aquarium of at least 60 centimeters in length. If you choose to have more pairs, you must prepare a long and well-arranged tank to avoid potential conflicts. Here are the conditions you need to provide them.
- A soft quartz sand substrate will work best.
- There should be quite a lot of plants in the aquarium.
- You can also throw dried leaves into the water to give the fish extra shelter.
- The best places to lay eggs are plastic tubes or smooth stones.
Water parameters for Ramirez’s cichlids
Fish of this species are very sensitive to any changes in water parameters. So you have to be very serious about its preparation. Good filtration will be needed to minimize the occurrence of nitrates and ammonia. The currents must be very gentle. Fish must never end up in a biologically unstable, fresh aquarium.
Suitable water parameters are:
- temperature – from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius;
- hardness – from 1 to 12 degrees of dGH;
- pH – from 5 to 7.
Ramirez’s cichlid – diseases
Ramirez’s cichlids suffer mainly from poor water parameters (especially from too much nitrogen). These fish suffer from:
- head erosions;
- lateral line erosions;
- white pox;
- holes in the head;
- thrush.
Ramirez’s Cichlid – Nutrition
Ramirez’s cichlid is a bentophagic species. These fish spend their time primarily searching for elements in the substrate that can be eaten. They take as much as possible into their mouths and throw inedible elements through the gills. While eating, they are accompanied by a characteristic cloud. If you have more fish, she may cover them completely.
What Ramirez cichlids eat most
How to feed such fish? Choose good quality foods for cichlids that sink relatively slowly to the bottom. You can also diversify your diet with frozen and live food. Too monotonous feeding leads to a weakening of immunity and contributes to the fading of colors.
Ramirez cichlids – what kind of fish can they live with?
Ramirez’s nurses, unfortunately, will not work well in every general aquarium. This does not mean, however, that they have to be content only with their own company. They will feel comfortable in the company of a small shoal of peaceful fish that inhabit the higher parts of the aquarium.
For example, the following will work well in this role:
- red neon lights;
- armors;
- cuirass;
- dyes.
Avoid aggressive fish with different biological requirements.
Ramirez’s cichlid – summary
Fish of this species are amazingly beautiful. The Ramireza electric blue cichlid is particularly popular, but you can also choose other color varieties.
Remember that Cichlids are quite delicate fish. Creating appropriate conditions for them is not difficult and even a beginner aquarist can handle it. Ramirezki, however, do not forgive mistakes and all changes in water parameters become ill very quickly.
If you care about beautiful aquarium fish that can teach you a lot at the same time, this species will be an excellent choice.