Butterfly Cichlid - Microgeophagus ramirezi - DNZ single specimen

This beautifully colored, extremely popular South American Butterfly Cichlid with its large fins is a true gem for any South America aquarium. Microgeophagus ramirezi is a very pretty, high-backed cichlid. The so-called "earth eater" is called so because it chews the ground for food.

The wild form is almost rainbow colored. A slightly curved black band runs through the otherwise red eye from top to bottom. The body also shows scattered black spots and bands. The dorsal fin is adorned with a red fringe, as is the caudal fin. The pectoral fins and pelvic fin are also reddish to red with black markings. Bright yellow spots on the body alternate with blue and dark blue spots. Turquoise bright spots are distributed on the fins as well as on the body, where they shimmer like gems.

Females are less intensely colored, but have a reddish ventral area. Many, but not all, males have much longer pronounced anterior fin rays in the dorsal fin, while the body of females is less high. Females are also noticeably smaller. Male South American Butterfly Cichlids grow up to 7 cm, while females grow only  to about 5 cm.

In its native habitat, the South American Butterfly Cichlid lives in lush soft water rivers with black water over sandy, fine substrate. Also in the aquarium the ramirezi need sandy substrate or fine gravel to chew through - at least one sandy corner is mandatory! The edges of the aquarium are well planted, so that the fish can find cover and hiding places. It is good if they also have swimming space in the middle. The addition of humic substances to the aquarium water is essential for the health of the fish, the water should be slightly brownish in color. Large-leaved aquatic plants and floating plants provide some shade, which the butterfly cichlids appreciate.

South American Butterfly Cichlids can be kept well in soft to hard water and at a pH of 6-8. Humic substances should be added in any case, because the South American Butterfly Cichlid actually comes from black water. Ideal is a water temperature between 22 and 30 °C for Microgeophagus ramirezi. You should absolutely pay attention to clean water. A pair of South American Butterfly Cichlids can already be kept in a standard aquarium with 60 cm edge length. Harmonizing pairs are very peaceful with each other.

Socialization with other small aquarium fish and catfish with similar requirements works well. Microgeophagus ramirezi tends to live in the middle of the aquarium. Shrimp are part of the natural diet of this dwarf cichlid, you should rather not socialize Microgeophagus ramirezi with shrimp and also not with dwarf crayfish. Larger crayfish could in turn catch and eat the butterfly cichlid. Microgeophagus ramirezi can live about 2-3 years in the aquarium.

South American butterfly cichlids can be kept in hard water, but soft and slightly acidic water and between 27 and 29 °C warm water is necessary for breeding. The fish should be properly conditioned with live food and high quality frozen food before attempting to breed. They should always be bred in pairs. Microgeophagus ramirezi are open breeders, the females lay their eggs on flat stones or dig a shallow pit in the sand. Both parent fish share the brood care. During this time, these beautiful cichlids are quite susceptible to stress. If disturbed, they may simply eat the clutch. A very good tip for breeding butterfly cichlids is to set up several breeding tanks slice by slice, or simply divide a very long tank with glass panes. When breeding pairs can see each other, the brood care instinct increases. When the young fish are on their own in the aquarium, the parent fish are caught out. Young SBB readily eat Artemia euplii and also copepods and microworms.

South American butterfly cichlids typically chew the sand for food. They are very fond of Tubifex and similar bottom dwellers, but also frozen food and of course special food for carnivorous cichlids such as NatureHolic Cichfeed is well suited. Shrimp are considered food, as well as small dwarf crayfish.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their requirements for food composition. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.