Apistogram Ramirezi: description and types, content and breeding

Many experienced and novice aquarists are attracted to decorative fish with an unusual and bright color, as they can become a real decoration of tanks even in a single copy. Among such representatives of the aquatic fauna, it is worth highlighting Ramirezi apistogram - an aquarium fish that deserves attention in the light of its memorable appearance.

Among the representatives of cichlids there are miniature aquatic inhabitants, one of which is the apistogram of Ramirezi. The homeland of this fish is considered to be the Amazon and Orinoco, as well as nearby reservoirs with a minimal current. This fish is known under various names, including the chromis butterfly, the cichlid butterfly and the Latin name Microgeophagus Ramirezi. Such a decorative specimen is guaranteed to become a decoration of the aquarium, in addition, in terms of maintenance and care, it stands out by its unpretentiousness, which means it is suitable for growing in closed tanks not only experienced but also novice aquarists.

The body of the fish has an oval shape, an adult individual in length reaches sizes in the range from 5 to 8 centimeters, however, in the aquarium, these parameters will be at the lower boundary. As for color, the Ramistresi apistogram may be green, blue as well as yellowIn addition, the body of the fish is usually covered with a shiny dot pattern. The head and stomach are covered with black stripes, and the pupils will be colored red or black color depending on the variety.

Butterfly fish, like other cichlids, can suffer from some ailments:

• iridovirus;
• lymphocytosis;
• poisoning by harmful components from the aquatic environment - chlorine, ammonia.

In such cases the aquarist is advised to review the conditions of the river inhabitant, if necessary, use specialized preparations. In addition to the aforementioned ailments, the apistogram can suffer from obesity, as well as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, in the light of which its diet should be correct. In general, the life expectancy of fish is about 4 years, this indicator will largely depend on the temperature of the water in the tank.

Today, for breeding in tanks, aquarists can acquire the natural look of fish, as well as varieties bred artificially by breeders. Among the main representatives, it is worth highlighting the most popular species.

A person with good immunity, having a red or yellow body color, during the breeding season, the representatives of the male and female sex in the color appear characteristic blue, while the abdomen in the fish will be raspberry or orange, and the fins will be transparent.

A beautiful decorative fish, notable for its turquoise color and red front of the body. Fins in individuals of this species have a neon tint. The brightness of the electric blue color directly depends on the conditions of detention, as well as the temperature and hardness of the aquatic environment. On average, the breeding species is able to live in the aquarium for about two years. This species is considered the most popular among beginners and experienced aquarists.

It will not be difficult to distinguish a female from a male, since in females, sexual deflection on the body is pronounced. Usually, adult fish reach a size of 2-2.5 centimeters.

This species from the family of cichlids is often called golden, because the fish have a lemon body color with a turquoise tint on the fins and sides. The difference in the appearance of the male from the female will be red dorsal fin in the first.

And also a remarkable external feature of fish of this species is black color of pupils.

An attractive individual with a shortened body and rounded abdomen. Fish belongs to natural species, found in the rivers of Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela. On the body of individuals there are black stripes with an uneven arrangement, on the fins along the edge and on the dorsal part there is a red or pink strip. For one individual, 20 liters of liquid in the aquarium will suffice.

The view was obtained artificially, the color of representatives may include several colors. Veil fins deserve special attention; in addition, neon inclusions can be present on the fish body. This is a predatory fish, the color of females is usually brighter. The individual feels well in closed tanks, prefers to grow in containers with good filtration, as well as with the presence of vegetation.

The apistogram of Ramirezi stands out for its livability with almost all the decorative inhabitants of the aquariums; individuals are averse to burying themselves in the ground, so they do not cause damage to plants. They are recommended to be kept with representatives of the aquatic fauna, which are characterized by a similar peaceful disposition. As neighbors you can stay at:

• swordsmen;
• neonah;
• catfish;
• parsing.

It is necessary to maintain an apistogram in tanks with a volume of at least 30 liters, provided that there will be no more than two fish. Usually, to emphasize the attractiveness of individuals, aquariums are decorated with tropical flora. You can decorate the container with alder cones, almond leaves - such features will make the aquatic environment close to the one in which this species lives in natural conditions. It is recommended to fill up the sandy substrate at the bottom, in addition, it is allowed to use snags and various branches, stones for shelter or spawning.

Among floating plants recommended for maintenance together with representatives of the cichlid genus, the following options can be considered:

• salvia;
• hydrocotyl;
• duckweed.

In addition, ferns, wallisneria, and hornwort can be rooted in the tank. Green spaces will be a priority, but it is worthwhile to refrain from using red-leafed species of aquarium crops, since they do not harmonize in appearance with butterfly fish.

The temperature of the water in the tank should be maintained at + 26 ... 30 ° C, while the acidity should be in the range from 4 to 7.5 pH, and the hardness suitable for the content of apistograms will vary between 6-15 dH. It is possible to determine that the water in the aquarium has not warmed up enough by the behavior of the fish - in a cool liquid they are susceptible to various diseases, in addition, their lifespan will be shorter. Installation of aerators and filters in the aquarium will be required. Every week it is recommended to change about a third of the water from the total volume.

As for mandatory care measures, the following nuances must be observed for keeping butterfly fish:

• test water quality;
• clean the soil with a siphon;
• make sure that the fish diet is as balanced as possible.

This species of ornamental fish is prone to overeating, so feedings should be strictly dosed, individuals should be given as much food as possible to consume it for a maximum of 5 minutes. Over time, all remaining particles should be deleted. In general, the apistogram of Ramirezi is an omnivorous individual, therefore it can be fed with the following types of feed:

• alive (bloodworms, microworms, daphnia, cyclops);
• vegetable (dandelions, cabbage, cucumbers);
• dry - it is best that the industrial product is used as an addition to the main diet.

Fishes of this breed are considered sexually mature at the age of six months, as a rule, by this moment their size is 3 centimeters. Males will differ from females in the following features:

• males will always be larger;
• their dorsal fin will be long with a pointed end;
• in males the abdomen is colored in orange, in females - in pink or raspberry;
• males express their readiness for spawning in a brighter color during this period.

Diluting the apistogram of Ramirezi at home will be possible only in spacious aquariums, the volume of which will be more than 40-50 liters. In order to stimulate the fish to spawn and the appearance of fry, the aquarist is recommended to carry out frequent replacement of the aquatic environment in the tank, as well as increase the usual temperature of the liquid by several degrees.

Determine that the individuals contained in the aquarium are ready for spawning, according to the aggressive behavior of the males, who will arrange frequent brawls regarding the division of the reservoir. The independent choice of a pair in the case of a butterfly fish will not bring the desired result, since for this aquatic inhabitant it is important to make a choice personally, without human intervention. Usually, in a flock of 6-10 fish during puberty, couples will form without additional intervention by the aquarist.

To spawn successfully, it is recommended to create favorable conditions in the aquarium, namely:

• take care of the presence of dense greens;
• provide fish with flat surfaces;
• to make the lighting minimal.

Water should be soft and 2-3 degrees higher in temperature.

The female has reduced immunity during this period, therefore cleanliness in the aquarium during this period should be in the first place. Usually, an apistogram for one spawning lays between 50 and 400 eggs, using flat surfaces in the aquarium or shelters that you like.

In aquarium conditions, butterfly fish may lose their parental instincts, then there is a risk that the caviar will be eaten by the parents. To prevent such a development of events, fertilized eggs can be transferred to the incubator in advance, as a rule, under optimal conditions, the larvae will be born after 2-4 days. However, in most cases, the male protects its offspring until the appearance of fry.

The following video will tell about the content and breeding of the apistogram Ramirezi.