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what to feed ram cichlids

by Clemens Daugherty Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Here is the list of food that you can feed to Electric Blue Ram Cichlids:

  • Omega One Tropical flakes
  • Fluval Vegetarian flakes
  • Tubifex worms, bloodworms
  • Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
  • Pellet food.

In our experience, these cichlids are not very picky, so you can feed them just about any dry food from the pet store, like sinking pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and freeze-dried tubifex worms. They also love frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, cyclops, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp for larger adults.

Full Answer

What do blue ram cichlids eat?

What do Blue Ram Cichlids Eat? In our experience, these cichlids are not very picky, so you can feed them just about any dry food from the pet store, like sinking pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and freeze-dried tubifex worms. They also love frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, cyclops, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp for larger adults.

Do ram cichlids eat shrimps?

Any non-fish residents you keep in the tank should not be small enough to be eaten by the ram cichlids. Ram cichlids will generally ignore large shrimps, but it will prey on smaller ones. Ram cichlids should not be kept with energetic species that will eat most of the food. Avoid aggressive dwarf cichlids and other bottom-dwelling fish species.

How to care for a ram cichlid?

Using Indian almond leaves will help you lower water pH (source) These natural plant materials help soften the water, but they also add natural tannins that will stain the water the tea color rams prefer. Decorating the Ram Cichlid Tank Anubias nana (in the foreground) is an excellent option for blue rams’ aquarium

What can I Feed my cichlids?

Some cichlids will welcome pellets and flakes, although this should not make up the major portion of the diet. The flakes should sink since they are bottom-dwelling fish. Give them two to five small pinches of meals several times daily, instead of giving a lot of food at once.

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How often should I feed my German blue rams?

How often should I feed my blue rams? Because of their size, it's best to feed rams two to three small meals a day rather than trying to give them one big meal. Their stomachs are tiny, which means they can only digest small amounts of food at a time.

What food do German blue rams eat?

These fish should be fed a high-quality sinking pellet, and I strongly recommend Hikari Sinking Tropical Wafers for Bottom Feeders. This should be supplemented with live or frozen foods, with some of their favorites being bloodworms, blackworms (tubifex in Europe), brine shrimp, and daphnia.

What do Bolivian ram cichlids eat?

One of the best foods to offer them is Hikari Micro Pellets , and they will absolutely gobble this up. Their diet should also be regularly supplemented with frozen of live foods. Some of their favorites are bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

How do you feed Electric Blue Ram?

Feeding. The electric blue ram is an omnivore and needs to be kept on a diet of both meaty and green foods. The stress of being moved to a new environment can make the fish lose its appetite, so be prepared to coax it with mosquito larvae or similar foods.

How many rams should be kept together?

Author Note: If you want to keep more than one German Blue Ram in the same aquarium, it's best to limit the number to two. This will help prevent territorial behavior (especially if you're keeping two males together). When keeping two males together make sure you increase the tank size to at least 40 gallons as well.

Will Ram cichlids eat shrimp?

Rams will eat shrimp, all cichlids will eat shrimp. Do not put shrimp with any fish if you plan on keeping the shrimp alive, I understand there are some minor exceptions, but 100% of the time it's a bad idea.

Will Bolivian Rams eat flakes?

Flake Foods: Bolivian Rams will happily eat flake foods. Although Bolivian Rams don't spend a great deal of time eating from the surface of the water, if they are kept in a community tank with other fish, the natural feeding of the other fish will lead to some flakes falling down through the water column.

What do Bolivian Rams like in their tank?

A fine sand substrate and pebbles can be used at the bottom of your tank, but should not be too heavy a focus in your set up. It is best to have a well-planted tank yet with plenty of open space for swimming, as well as a few empty hiding places in, for example, rock and driftwood.

Can I keep just one Bolivian ram?

Bolivian rams are good to keep together in small groups. There is no right or wrong here, they do well both alone, in a pair, or in a group. If you want to breed them, get a group of 4-8 then let them pair off and separate the couples. Squabbles among the school are common and usually harmless.

How long do cichlid rams live?

4 yearsBecause of poor breeding practices or improper care requirements, ram cichlids have the reputation for being less hardy compared to other species. If given lots of high-quality foods and clean water at the right temperature (see below), they can live up to 4 years.

Are blue rams sensitive?

German blue rams are moderately difficult to care for because they're sensitive to water fluctuations, need specific tank conditions, and are susceptible to fish tuberculosis.

What pH do rams like?

5.2 to 6.7Rams are highly sensitive to water quality, and should be kept at a pH of 5.2 to 6.7, with an optimal tank temperature of 80-81 Fahrenheit.

How do you take care of a German blue ram?

German blue rams are active fish that require a 20-gallon tank or larger. The water must be kept between 80°F and 86°F and on the acidic side. To simulate the German blue ram's wild habitat, set up various hiding spots throughout the tank with caves, driftwood, and plants, and keep the lighting dim.

Do German rams eat shrimp?

Yes, German Blue Rams will eat any shrimp they can fit in their mouths. Adult Red Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp may not be eaten, but babies and juveniles almost certainly will. To reduce the chances of German Blue Rams eating your shrimp, provide as many hiding places for the shrimp as possible.

Should German blue rams be kept in pairs?

With that said, German blue rams are the happiest when kept in a male-female pair. They're monogamous and mate for life, so keeping a couple of German blue rams together is highly recommended. Alternatively, it's also a good idea to keep single German blue rams in a peaceful community tank.

How big does a German blue ram get?

They grow between 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm), the female being the bigger of the two with a life span of approximately 3 years. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75.5 liters) is needed for each pair that is kept.

How big of a tank do ram cichlids need?

If you want to keep your fish in tip-top shape, never go smaller than a 20-gallon (70 l) tank. And if you plan to have a community, a minimum of a 30-gallon (114 l) tank is required.

What are the biggest mistakes that novice aquarists make with ram cichlids?

One of the biggest mistakes novice aquarists make with ram cichlids is keeping the water temperature too low.

What is the other dwarf cichlid?

Ram Cichlids: The Other Dwarf Cichlid. Updated on Jan 7, 2021 by Peter Herzog. Ram cichlids (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) make popular alternatives for aquarists who love cichlids but don’t have a lot of tank space. Members of the dwarf cichlid group, these gorgeous fish require less room than some of their larger counterparts.

How big can a cichlid get?

The maximum length you’re likely to see is around 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Many aquarists gravitate to this “manageable” cichlid size.

What temperature do dwarf cichlids like?

These dwarf cichlids prefer the higher end of the thermometer: 78-85°F (26-29°C). In fact, you can go as high as 84-86°F (29-30°C) without a problem. Of course, you need to make sure any other fish in your aquarium tolerate that kind of warmth.

Why do rams die?

Most rams die early due to poor captive-breeding practices or improper husbandry. Even wild-caught rams can suffer shorter lifespans if not taken care of properly. If you want to maximize your ram cichlid’s chances, you need to stay on top of your water conditions.

What group of fish require less room?

Members of the dwarf cichlid group, these gorgeous fish require less room than some of their larger counterparts.

How many gallons of water do ram cichlids need?

The ram cichlids will typically reach around two inches, and they will need a minimum of 10 gallons. If you intend to include other fish, invest in a 29-gallon tank and above. You should count 10 gallons for every ram cichlid.

What is the Lifespan of Ram Cichlids?

Ram cichlids will generally live for three to four years. To prolong the lifespan of your pet, provide a high-quality diet in addition to the appropriate water conditions.

Do Ram Cichlids Jump Out of the Tank?

Ram cichlids are bottom-dwelling pets and will rarely venture past the middle part of your tank. You should, however, cover your aquarium in case they get scared.

Why do ram cichlids die?

This is mainly because the animals demand a mature and established tank. You should, therefore, cycle your tank effectively and ensure it is stable before introducing the cichlids.

What are the names of the cichlids in the aquarium?

It is popular with aquarists, and it also goes by the names blue ram, butterfly cichlid, Asian ram, German blue ram, Ramirezi, and dwarf butterfly cichlid. Ram cichlids are noted for adding bright colors in an aquarium. Their bodies are yellowish with black curved lines extending along their bodies.

Why won't my cichlids show their full colors?

The cichlids will not display their full colors when you first add them to your tank because they need to adapt to a new environment before their rich colors are clearly seen.

What to put in a fish tank to swim?

You can also add flat or slate rocks, flowerpots, bogwood roots, and clay-caves to mimic the wild water biotopes. Adding leaves to the tank’s bottom will also create a wild aesthetic in the aquarium.

What do ram cichlids eat?

Here is the list of food that you can feed to Electric Blue Ram Cichlids: 1 Omega One Tropical flakes 2 Fluval Vegetarian flakes 3 Tubifex worms, bloodworms 4 Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp 5 Pellet food.

How to take care of electric blue ram cichlid?

To take care of Electric Blue Ram Cichlid, it is important to maintain the proper water quality to allow the fish to grow healthy. A great way to do so is preparing a similar environment as their natural habitat in the wild. This fish is delicate to drastic changes and requires high temperatures compared with other cichlids. It requires a slow to moderate water flow since he is not very active. You don’t have to worry about this fish escaping from the tank as other cichlids would, Electric Blue Ram Cichlid is a very peaceful fish.

What do electric blue rams eat?

They are picky eaters and you will struggle at the beginning because they experience stress in the first days in the tank. Small portions of flake and pellet foods would be great, small enough to fit their mouth since they are small in size. Choose only the best Cichlid food when feeding Electric Blue Rams Cichlid in this way he gets all the nutrition and vitamins needed to grow healthy.

How often do blue ram cichlids spawn?

Breeding. Breeding Electric Blue Ram Cichlids is quite simple if you give them the proper condition to breed. They tend to spawn every few weeks, prepare to welcome hundred of fries if so. The best choice is to separate the pair from other fish, as they tend to fight during breeding in order to protect the fries.

What is the color of a ram cichlid?

It is an enchanting fish when it comes to colors. Its body has a base color of orange or yellow gold. It has some similarities with Jack Demplsey Cichlid and Peacock Cichlid in appearance. The special thing that stands out about this fish is the metallic blue color dots that cover all its skin, also the rounded eyes on a bright orange with a black vertical stripe on both sides of the head. The ones with a pink belly are females.

Where do electric blue ram cichlids live?

They are native of South America, and inhabit waterways of Amazon, Venezuela and Colombia.

How hot should a female squid be when breeding?

When breeding the temperature should be eventually increased to 84° F (30°C) for a few days. It is important to slowly raise the temperature, a degree per day since this fish is sensitive to drastic changes and can kill it.

Housing the Ram Cichlid

The Ram Cichlids enjoy space. While they can live in a community tank, they do best in an aquarium where they can really thrive. This is a social fish that enjoys interacting with other non-aggressive fish that aren’t threatening. It’s not recommended to keep just one Ram Cichlid. You’ll want a pair because these fish don’t do well alone.

Preferred Water Conditions

In addition to warm water, Ram Cichlids need clean water. While you’d think that goes without saying, dirty water is something that Rams just won’t tolerate. It can lead to stress and infections for them.

Tank Décor

In the wild, Ram Cichlids like to rest on and bury themselves in the sandy bottoms of the river. A sand substrate is best for their tanks and will enable them to perform their natural behavior. The substrate can be mixed with a bit of gravel if you prefer the look.

Feeding the Ram Cichlid

Here is where a novice fish owner might not notice that their Ram Cichlid is slowly starving to death. Slower moving than other fish, the Ram Cichlid may not notice food in the tank. Even if they do, they might not be able to get to it before the quicker fish snatch it up.

Who Can Share the Tank With Ram Cichlids?

When choosing tank mates for your Ram Cichlid, remember that this fish wants a friend of their own species. These are social fish that don’t want to be the only ones in their environments. At least one pair of Ram Cichlids is always recommended. You can keep males and females together.

How Long Does a Ram Cichlid Live?

The Ram Cichlid has a reputation for being a difficult fish to keep alive. They’re known as a fragile fish that isn’t as hardy as some other species. It’s not hard to keep these fish alive if you provide the proper conditions for them to thrive and live happily.

Common Health Problems of the Ram Cichlid

The Ram Cichlid wants clean, warm water and won’t tolerate anything less. They also don’t tolerate ammonia. Poor water quality can kill a Ram Cichlid. If it doesn’t, it can at least cause health problems. These beautiful fish are delicate when it comes to their environment, and if conditions aren’t just right, you might notice the following:

What do Blue Ram Cichlids Eat?

In our experience, these cichlids are not very picky, so you can feed them just about any dry food from the pet store, like sinking pellets , freeze-dried bloodworms, and freeze-dried tubifex worms. They also love frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, cyclo ps, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp for larger adults. Give them a wide variety of foods to ensure they get all the essential nutrients and vitamins they need to stay healthy. Dean likes to feed his rams twice a day, especially while they are growing, but once they reach adulthood, once a day is fine.

What are German Blue Rams?

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi is a South American dwarf cichlid that goes by many common names, including ram cichlid, blue ram, German blue ram, butterfly cichlid, and Ramirez’s dwarf cichlid.

What Do German Blue Rams Need to Breed?

Dean uses bare-bottom tanks with no substrate, but you can add some gravel if you like. Get a gentle sponge filter (or a small hang-on-back filter with a pre-filter sponge to prevent fry from begin sucked up), as well as an adjustable aquarium heater. In the corners of the tank, place various spawning sites, such as flat river stones or tiny terracotta pots and saucers. Add a large clump of java moss or java fern on wood to provide cover for the rams and to grow infusoria that the fry can feed on.

How big do German rams get?

How big does a German blue ram fish get? Regular-sized blue rams tend to stay between 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) long , which is a little smaller than their cousins, the Bolivian ram cichlid ( Mikrogeophagus altispinosus ).

What to put on wood for rams?

Add a large clump of java moss or java fern on wood to provide cover for the rams and to grow infusoria that the fry can feed on. Ram cichlids breed very easily, but their eggs may get eaten by other fish and invertebrates if kept in a community tank.

How to pick a healthy blue ram?

How do you pick a healthy blue ram? When shopping at a fish store, make sure to select a robust, active ram that eats well and perhaps spars with other rams over the best spawning spots. Do not choose a skinny ram, especially if it has a hollow belly. Sick rams with these symptoms rarely recover, so pick the healthiest specimens possible. If you are looking for a pair to breed, Dean recommends choosing a colorful male with extended dorsal fins and nice pectoral fins. If you can find the female he is already paired with, you have a higher chance of successful breeding. Females can be easily identified by the fact that they have tiny, bright blue dots inside the big, black spot on the side of their bodies, whereas males lack any spangling on their black spot.

What are the different types of ram cichlids?

What are the different types of ram cichlids? In terms of body shape, there are regular, long fin, and balloon rams on the market. The most common color varieties include German blue rams, gold rams, and electric blue rams. A black version of the ram cichlid has been developed recently but is still difficult to find.

How many gallon tanks do ram cichlids need?

If you are about to set up a community aquarium, however, then you will need at least a 29-gallon tank. Dim light is the best for them but this should be achieved using floating plants.

What do ram cichlids eat?

It is basically an omnivore, so both meat and plant-based foods are going to be needed. Their diet has to be full of proteins and vitamins as well. The only way to achieve this is to feed them a diverse diet with high-quality foods.

How to hide ram cichlids?

By using a wide range of plants in your aquarium, you will provide numerous hiding places for your Ram Cichlids at the same time. If you want to maximally imitate their natural environment, you can drop some leaves in the fish tank from outside. There are lots of trees around the Amazon river.

When was the Ram Cichlid discovered?

One of the most colorful species in the Cichlid family is the Ram Cichlid. This one was discovered back in 1948 and got the scientific name Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi. It is the courtesy of Manuel Ramirez that we know about Ram Cichlids. He discovered them in Colombia and Venezuela where these cichlids live in the rivers.

What color are ram cichlids?

Such a wide range of colors on a single fish, including shades of blue, yellow, orange, black and purple. Not to mention that their eyes are either bright orange or plain red.

What is the pH of water?

It is best to measure the pH of the water, which has to be between 6.0-7.6. You might need a pH reader for that because as we mentioned, Ram Cichlids are sensitive to water changes. The ideal water hardness is somewhere around 3 dGH.

How hot should an aquarium be?

Now when it comes to the temperature, you should keep it somewhere between 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a rather small window. This can be accomplished by a reliable aquarium heater. By keeping the temperature consistent, you can easily keep the diseases away.

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