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How to look after
Papiliochromis ramirezi
Ram, Butterfly cichlid
(Myers & Harry, 1948)

Papiliochromis ramirezi - Ram, Butterfly cichlid - Ram cichlid
Ram cichlid
more images here

(Other members of the genus Papiliochromis)

ADULT SIZE: 7 cm

WATER CONDITIONS: Moderately soft and acidic

TEMPERATURE RANGE: 22-27 C

FOOD: Feed Papiliochromis ramirezi small live-foods and fine grade dried foods

DISTRIBUTION: This species comes from Colombia, Venezuela

AQUARIUM CARE: The ram is a real aquarium favourite, with its stunning coloration. They are a peacful dwarf cichlid, and should be kept with other peaceful fishes. They are not overly fussy eaters, though like all fish, relish frozen and live foods. They do best in a planted tank, with some open areas, bogwood and stones. Sometimes referred to as Microgeophagus ramirezi.

BREEDING: Breeding occurs on a flat stone, or in a pit, and is not at all unusual in the aquarium, and once hatched the adults tend their fry

Have you bred Papiliochromis ramirezi? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?, or examine existing Papiliochromis ramirezi breeding reports

Similar species to Papiliochromis ramirezi

Other members of the genus Papiliochromis

Other cichlid species

Other species from Colombia, Venezuela

Papiliochromis ramirezi
Ram, Butterfly cichlid

Ram cichlid

Ram cichlid

The golden strain of <I>Papiliochromis ramirezi</I>, the golden ram

The golden strain of Papiliochromis ramirezi, the golden ram


Papiliochromis ramirezi
Ram, Butterfly cichlid
breeding notes

BREEDING: Breeding occurs on a flat stone, or in a pit, and is not at all unusual in the aquarium, and once hatched the adults tend their fry

Have you bred Papiliochromis ramirezi? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?


This page summarises breeding reports provided by visitors to this site, along with some statistical analysis. Please feel free to contribute - whatever your experience!

2 breeders have filled in breeding reports, a summary of the results are shown in the graphs below. You can read the full reports here.

To add details of your experiences of Papiliochromis ramirezi, why not fill in a Breeding and maintenance Report.

Would Papiliochromis ramirezi be a good addition to a community tank?
graph1
  1. Never
  2. Doubtful, only with VERY calm fish
  3. Only with species of similar size
  4. Yes, a good community fish

How would you describe the disposition of Papiliochromis ramirezi?
graph2
  1. Very timid
  2. Slightly timid
  3. Neutral
  4. Somewhat aggresive on occasions
  5. Very aggressive

In which water conditions do you keep these fish?
graph3
  1. Very soft and acidic
  2. Moderately soft and acidic
  3. Neutral
  4. Moderately hard and alkaline
  5. Very hard and alkaline

At what average temperature?
graph4
  1. 10-15°C
  2. 16-19°C
  3. 20-23°C
  4. 24-27°C
  5. 28°C+

What, if any is the biggest difficulty encountered when breeding these fish?
graph5
  1. Poor egg production
  2. Poor egg survival
  3. Poor fry survival rate
  4. Deformities
  5. Skewed sex ratio

How would you describe sex ratios when breeding Papiliochromis ramirezi? If you are unsure please leave this question unanswered.
graph6
  1. Almost all males
  2. Somewhat male heavy
  3. Roughly equal
  4. Somewhat female heavy
  5. Almost all females

In general, how difficult is Papiliochromis ramirezi to keep and breed?
graph7
  1. Very easy
  2. Easy
  3. Average
  4. Difficult
  5. Very difficult

How sucessful have you been at breeding Papiliochromis ramirezi?
graph8
  1. Very unsucessful
  2. Fairly unsucessful
  3. Average
  4. Fairly sucessful
  5. Very sucessful


Remember, each record represents only one persons experience; if you had different results, or used different methods, please share your experiences


Water conditions: Neutral Water temperature: 24-27oC
Disposition: Active, but not aggresive Community tank?: Yes, a good community fish
Spawning Method: Other (see below)Breeding problems:
Poor egg survival
Sex ratio: Roughly equalBreeding difficulty: Average
Sucess: AverageYears Experience: 3
Other Comments:
Date this record created: 11th May 2009Breeding date: 2008
Breeder: Location:

Water conditions: Moderately soft and acidic Water temperature: 24-27oC
Disposition: Very timid Community tank?: Yes, a good community fish
Spawning Method: Long term (fry appear with adults)Breeding problems:
Poor fry survival rate
Sex ratio: Almost all malesBreeding difficulty: Difficult
Sucess: Very unsucessfulYears Experience: 1
Other Comments:
Date this record created: 17th January 2008Breeding date: 2007
Breeder: Location:

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