Ram cichlid

The fish's body is notably tall, with the second ray of the dorsal fin in males being somewhat longer than the others. Females, in turn, have a more rounded abdomen. The entire body surface and fins are adorned with rows of shimmering turquoise dots. The abdomen acquires a reddish tint, especially intense in females. The first rays of the dorsal and pelvic fins are distinctly black. A dark transverse band crosses the head, passing through the eye and gill covers. The fish's eyes are a rich red color. Orange-yellow color variations can also be found.

The natural habitat of this species covers the Orinoco River basin in the subequatorial regions of South America, including parts of modern-day Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela. The fish inhabits numerous small tributaries, bodies of water, and temporarily flooded plains during high water periods.

This fish exhibits a rather peaceful disposition and coexists well with many species of similar size. Given its miniature size, it should not be kept with large, territorial, or aggressive fish. Young individuals usually stay in schools, but as they age, they break into pairs and establish specific territories.

For aquarium decor, it is recommended to use a sandy substrate, on which roots and branches of trees, as well as snags, are placed. These elements should create shelters – resembling caves, overhangs, or shaded areas. Several smooth flat stones will also be appropriate. Fallen dry leaves will help recreate a natural look and give the water a slight brownish tint. Plants can be either floating or rooted, with dense leaves. The water should be soft, slightly acidic, of high quality and purity; weekly water changes of no more than 10–15% of the total volume. Ramirez's Apistogramma tolerates sudden parameter changes poorly, and abundant meaty feeding significantly increases the risk of water pollution. Substrate cleaning is recommended weekly, and food remnants should be removed immediately after each feeding. More detailed information on water parameters and methods for their correction can be found in the "Hydrochemical composition of water" section. Standard equipment includes: a filter, lighting system, heater, and aerator.

In their natural habitat, the fish's diet consists of small crustaceans and insect larvae, which they find in bottom sediments. When kept in a home aquarium, it is preferable to feed them live foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, Grindal worms, and bloodworms. Frozen foods are also acceptable; although the fish may initially refuse them, they eventually get used to them and eat them with pleasure. Dry foods, whether granules or flakes, should only be used as a supplementary food source.

Breeding is possible in home conditions, but it requires strict adherence to water parameters: it must be exceptionally clean and soft, otherwise, the eggs may become fungal or cease to develop altogether. It is recommended to feed the fish only live food. Spawning is preferably carried out in a separate tank, especially if there are other fish species in the main aquarium. The pair lays eggs on hard, smooth surfaces such as stones, glass, or dense plant leaves. Young individuals may sometimes eat their first offspring; however, this behavior usually stops with age. The female guards the clutch for some time. Fry hatch after 2–3 days and feed on egg yolk reserves for the first week, after which they switch to another type of food. Fry feeding should be done in stages, from infusoria to nauplii, as they grow.

The fish is extremely sensitive to water and food quality; deviations from norms often provoke the development of hexamitosis. A more detailed description of symptoms and treatment methods is presented in the "Diseases of aquarium fish" section.

When selecting individuals, attention should be paid to their activity and clarity of coloration. Healthy fish should be curious, have bright, rich colors, and even, undamaged fins. Avoid specimens with signs of emaciation, sunken bellies, whitish spots on the body, or a coating resembling semolina, as this may indicate parasitic diseases. It is also important to assess the conditions in the store: the water in the aquarium should be clear, without a strong odor, and the fish should not appear sluggish or hide in corners. Special attention should be paid to selective breeding forms, which often have weaker immunity and require careful inspection for hidden infections. It is recommended to purchase already formed pairs, as independent selection of partners at home can be difficult due to the species' selectivity.