Cichlids are generally quite popular fish pets nowadays, and ram cichlids are certainly among the top choices ever. These fish are amazingly suitable both for inexperienced keepers who wish to house hardy pets as well as for experienced ones who simply want some more splashes of color around their tanks.
Indeed, these fish have just two types among the family which can be found in the wild, while all others have been captively bred for years, to obtain such fascinating species with happy colors and friendly temperaments. And who would not like to own pets like these?
Along with great looks and simple maintenance, these peculiar creatures require no huge tanks and no complicated diet. They definitely make amazing pets, so it is up to you to simply choose your favorite version. To ease that out, here comes a brief review of each of the ram cichlid types.
1. Wild Ram Cichlid
Wild ram cichlids are quite rare to actually find in their natural habitats, as most of the available types have been captively bred. Nonetheless, they are certainly much more appreciated by aquarium enthusiasts, as there are less genetic mutations among these types.
Moreover, wild rams often feature more vivid and brilliant colorations when compared to captive-bred ones, which is ironic, as people breed them intentionally to enhance and change their colors. Also, with wild rams, there are less risks of adopting an infertile male specimen.
Wild ram cichlids are quite small-sized and rarely exceed 2 inches in full body length, meaning that you can safely house them into small tanks such as 20 gallons. Males are usually a bit larger when compared to their female companions, and they feature prolonged first dorsal ray fins.
2. German Blue Ram
This is definitely the most popular type of ram cichlids among aquarium keepers today. They feature small bodies of around 2,5 inches on top of amazingly vivid colors all over their bodies.
Their palettes are basically divided into two main colors, orange and blue. Moreover, they own a bold black stripe descending from their head, as well as a brave black dot below their dorsal fins. All in all, an amazingly decorative addition to any tank.
But German blue rams are not just beautiful fish. They are also one of the most docile and friendly options above all, and they are greatly suitable for community tanks.
3. Bolivian Ram
The Bolivian ram is one of the few types available in the wild. They are also the largest type of ram cichlids and can reach up to 3 inches in body length.
As a consequence, they require somehow larger tanks and thrive best in those of 30 gallons or more. As all ram cichlids, these too love having densely planted homes and appropriate substrate for their daily foraging activities.
They usually feature simple base colors such as a yellowish or golden variation, and they are characterized by red highlights along their fins. Thanks to that, they are also known as the red ram.
4. Electric Blue Ram
As their name implies itself, these beauties feature fantastic blue coloration. On top of that, they have striking red eyes, which certainly adds to their fearless looks. However, they still make extremely peaceful pets.
Electric blue rams rarely exceed 2,5 inches in mature size, and they are easy to distinguish thanks to not just their vibrant color but also to their spiked dorsal fins. These faithful lovers are happiest when kept in pairs.
5. Dark Knight Ram
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fky1wP0PrnQ
This is actually a recent variation of the German blue ram. However, its colors have become that popular among modern keepers that it definitely deserves to be separately mentioned.
The dark knight ram, as its name suggests, really does resemble to an almost black fish. However, the fins usually end in striking orange or golden splashes, adding to the fantastic looks of these fish.
Real beauties which can make any aquarium look prettier. On top of that, they too are greatly peaceful.
6. Golden Ram
Another splendid variation of the German blue ram cichlid is the golden colored one. Indeed, golden rams really do feature a mix of goldish or orange or yellow colors all over their bodies.
They can grow up to even 3 inches, which makes them one of the largest choices available. Therefore, they should be housed into 30-gallon tanks for a pair.
This particular species is often classified as a more sensitive one, so it is suggested for keepers with at least some previous fishkeeping experience. If their water parameters are not kept stable at all times, this may quickly cause health complications to these amazing fish.
7. Angel Ram
Angel rams are super-easy to recognize thanks to their striking appearance. They feature extremely long pectoral fins when compared to all other ram types, but also boldly spiked dorsal fins.
On top of that, they are bred in such way to develop amazingly vibrant colors all over their bodies. These go from yellow and orange splashes to red eyes and blue dots. Quite a nice combo of happiness!
They are quite small and can only grow up to 2 inches when adults. However, they certainly compensate with their active yet friendly behaviors. If there is not enough space or vegetation provided, they can become quite aggressive during breeding times.
They are also extremely sensitive to water parameters. For these reasons, they are perhaps a better choice for somehow more experienced keepers.
Wrapping Up
Whatever your favorite ram cichlid type is, we are sure that you will enjoy yourself while observing it swimming around your home tank. These peculiar fish are certainly unique little additions to modern aquariums and the color combinations which they feature are quite spectacular indeed.
On top of that, they make amazingly friendly community tank mates, as long as they have enough space and hiding spots around. Remember, even if most of these fish types are captive-bred, they still do belong to the same family, so they surely require similar environmental conditions to those in the wild.
Great substrate for foraging, low lights and heavily planted tanks will ensure these guys a safe and comfortable home.
