Platinum Ramirezi

The Platinum Ramirezi, also known as the Platinum Blue Ram Cichlid, is a selectively bred variant of the popular German Blue Ram. These fish are vibrant, beautiful, and generally peaceful, making them great for aquariums. Here are some care guidelines to ensure your Platinum Ramirezi thrives:

1. Tank Size

• A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a pair of Platinum Ramirezi.
• They need enough space to establish territories and swim freely.

2. Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C).
• pH: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (up to 10 dGH).
• Ammonia/Nitrites: Always keep these at 0 ppm. Regular water changes are essential.
• Nitrates: Keep under 20 ppm to prevent stress.

3. Filtration

• Use a gentle filter. They don't like strong currents, so ensure the filter's flow is not too intense for the Ramirezi.
• Perform weekly water changes (about 25-30%) to maintain good water quality.

4. Diet

• Omnivorous: They enjoy a variety of foods, such as:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
  • Vegetables like blanched spinach or zucchini can be offered occasionally.
• Avoid overfeeding, as these fish are prone to obesity.

5. Tank Mates

• Peaceful community fish work best with Ramirezi. Avoid aggressive or large fish.
• Suitable tank mates include:
  • Tetras (such as Neons or Rummy Nose)
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Small peaceful barbs like Cherry Barbs
  • Plecos (avoid large species)
• Avoid other aggressive cichlids or large predatory fish.

6. Aquascaping

• These fish enjoy plant-heavy aquariums with hiding spots and territories. They appreciate plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne.
• Provide driftwood or rocks for hiding and creating boundaries.
• They prefer subdued lighting, so using floating plants or a dim light may help them feel more secure.

7. Breeding

• Ramirezi are relatively easy to breed in captivity. If you want to encourage breeding:
  • Keep the water conditions stable (warm, soft, slightly acidic).
  • Provide flat surfaces like rocks or broad-leafed plants for them to lay eggs on.
  • After the eggs hatch, the parents will protect the fry, so consider separating the fry or letting the parents care for them.

8. Behavior

• Platinum Ramirezi are peaceful but may show territorial behavior, especially during breeding.
• They’re not schooling fish, but they prefer to have their own space.

9. Health Concerns

• Be mindful of common freshwater fish ailments like Ich, fin rot, or hole-in-the-head disease. Regular water changes and avoiding stress will help prevent these issues.

By following these care tips, you can provide a comfortable and healthy environment for your Platinum Ramirezi to thrive and show off its stunning coloration.