Table of Contents
Golden Ram Appearance
Golden Ram (scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi var. “Gold”) is a variant of the popular freshwater German Blue Ram. Like its name, the species is highlighted with the bright yellow/gold coloration mainly on the head which slowly fades into shimmering silver at the end of the body. Unlike the German Blue Ram, Golden Ram or Gold Ram displays a striking yellow glow which could easily outcompete the community tank in terms of impression. Such feature charms everyone who just happens to encounter this tropical fish. Males tend to exhibit more intense coloration, especially during the spawning period. Nevertheless, the females are still regarded as colorful. Golden Ram is a captive-bred fish and won’t likely be found in wild habitats. Despite that, one still learns and creates their living conditions since they are quite like those of the German blue Ram. This dwarf cichlid prefers the below water parameters:
- Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: less than 20 ppm
- KH: 2 – 15 dKH
- pH: 6 – 7
- Water change: 15% once every week in order to avoid high levels of toxins in the fish tank.
They are pleased with warm temperatures having average ranges between 74° - 82°F (23° - 28°C). Known for being hardy, these lovely live fish yet strictly require clean water quality to thrive. Same as their relatives, German blue ram, they are extremely sensitive to shifts in water parameters, even the smallest one. That also explains why possessing the endurance ability, Golden Rams are still not recommended for beginners and intermediate fish keepers.
Important note: Golden Ram should NOT be introduced to a newly cycled tank. These tank environments may not be stable, which easily adversely affect your fish health. Regular testing is highly encouraged to perform as it can tell if the tank water is still in good quality.
Set Up Golden Ram Fish Tank
To create a standard Golden Ram home aquarium, you need to consider, of all things, the aquarium size. Many reports showed that large tanks allow the water conditions to be more stable and monitored better. Generally, a 20-gallon fish tank is highly recommended to keep one Gold Ram specimen. While keeping a pair of them, a double-sized tank should be preferable. Golden Rams are typically kept in pairs. The ratio of one male to one female is often encouraged in practice. For best results, you should choose the freshwater fish that seem close to each other to avoid any conflicts aroused while living together.
Speaking of temperament, Golden Rams are regarded peaceful species. Still, they show aggressive behaviors in certain cases, mostly when they feel unsafe or alarmed if other fish try to enter their territories. Therefore, they need ample space to be anxious-free and some live aquatic plants to feel secure. If the tank size is already decided, then the things are put into that tank. Golden Rams are contended with a sandy substrate and plenty of refuge such as clay pots, driftwood, and rock formations. Live aquatic plants cannot be too dense but are required to imitate the natural environments. Go with the robust freshwater plants that endure similar conditions to those of the fish such as Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Wisteria, and Mosses like Marimo Moss Balls. They are absolutely the wise choice in terms of care and aquascaping intent. While arranging your fish tank, remember to leave a fair amount of open space for Golden Rams to swim; or else, they may venomously seek the zone from others’ territories.
Golden Rams Diet
It appears discouraging to find lots of notices one must learn to take care of this dwarf cichlid. Fortunately, you may be delighted to find Golden Rams quite easy-going in the matter of diet.
When it comes to diet, Golden Ram, amazingly, is not a picky eater at all. The fish are omnivores and can accept various types of high-quality fish food like brine shrimp, bloodworms, fish flakes, and sinking pellets. Occasionally add some blanched vegetables and aquatic plants (e.g., spinach, cucumbers) to keep its diet balanced and ensure it gets all the essential nutrients and vitamins it needs to stay healthy. You can feed them once or twice a day. It is believed that the latter benefits your rams especially when they are growing up while the former is usually applied to adult specimens. Follow a good rule of thumb feed them the amount sufficient for them to consume within 2-3 minutes, and remove all leftover food after that time. It helps maintain the good quality of the water as well as not overfeed your rams. Try to spread the food over the water surface when feeding to make sure your fish can approach their meal, particularly if they are kept in community tanks.
Golden Ram Fish Tank Mates
Dwarf freshwater shrimp and other small, delicate invertebrates should not be on the list given Golden Ram’s size (average size of 2 inches (5 cm)) and feeding habits. They are easily perfect prey for your Rams because their small dimensions make them fit in Ram Cichlids’ mouths and your Rams will definitely chase these tiny creatures concerning their nature. Instead, you can opt for more durable, peaceful, and larger shrimp and snails. Some compatible fish mates like Blue Danio, Rose Danio, Pencil fish, Harlequin Rasbora, and Cardinal Tetras are also good enough to be thought of.
Golden Ram Fish Breeding
Golden Ram is one of the Ram Cichlids mostly chosen to breed in captivity. Providing them with proper conditions, the pair will naturally come to each other for mating and spawning. If you would like to give a try, there are certain notices you should bear as follows:
- Equip yourself with a separate breeding tank is highly recommended. Although some breeders allow their Golden Rams to spawn in the main aquarium, putting the chosen ones into a separate tank will increase the successful breeding rate while not disturbing the stable living conditions of other fish in that main aquarium. Moreover, your Rams won’t always be in a stressful and aggressive state in order to protect their eggs/fry.
- Create a favorable breeding environment that encourages your Rams to pair with each other. Simply lower the pH level to 5.8 – 6.0 and gradually raise the temperature in the breeding tank daily until it reaches 85°F. Then, you will see the male chase the female as a part of the courting process.
If you spot the belly of the female Ram turning red and plump, it is highly likely that she is ready to spawn. In the next few days, you will find the eggs randomly laid on flat surfaces (like aquarium glass, plants’ leaves, etc.) and the parents busy caring for the nest. The eggs are about to hatch within 5-6 days provided the water quality and temperature are ideal. During this period, you may often see the parents guarantee sufficient oxygen for their eggs by waving the water nearby. Aggressive behaviors may commonly be observed in both males and females with a parental care nature.
Conclusion
Golden Ram Cichlids are a stunning addition to any freshwater aquarium, thanks to their vibrant gold coloration, peaceful temperament, and engaging personality. However, they require stable water conditions, a well-planned tank setup, and a balanced diet to thrive. Due to their sensitivity to water quality, they are best suited for experienced fish keepers who can maintain their specific care requirements.
By following this care guide, you can enjoy the beauty, charm, and unique behaviors of Golden Rams while providing them with a healthy and thriving environment. Whether you’re an aquascaping enthusiast or a cichlid lover, these fish will surely bring color and life to your aquarium!
If you are considering buying Golden Ram Cichlids, visit Splashy Fish tropical fish store to buy Golden Ram Fish for sale and other Ram fish for sale online. Otherwise, visit our aquarium store in Virginia for more freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies by following the map below.
Golden Ram Care Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the lifespan of a Golden Ram Cichlid?
Golden Ram Cichlids have a lifespan of 2 to 4 years with proper care. Their longevity depends on stable water conditions, a balanced diet, and low stress levels. To maximize their lifespan, maintain a temperature of 78–85°F, a pH of 6.0–7.5, and ensure a well-filtered, planted aquarium.
Are Golden Ram Cichlids aggressive?
Golden Rams are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial during breeding. They thrive in community tanks with calm, similarly-sized fish like tetras, corydoras, and gouramis. To prevent aggression, provide hiding spots with driftwood, caves, and live plants.
How big do Golden Ram Cichlids get?
Golden Ram Cichlids grow to around 2 to 3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in length. Males are typically larger and more colorful than females. To support their growth, feed them a protein-rich diet with quality pellets, frozen foods, and live foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
