Platinum Ram - (No Online Purchases)

Description: In Store Pick Up Only The Platinum Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a stunning colour variety of the popular German Blue Ram. Its brilliant white to silver body, peaceful temperament and manageable size make it an excellent choice for well-maintained community aquariums. Their elegant appearance stands out against green plants and dark aquarium backgrounds, making them a favourite for both home and office aquariums. Although they are considered peaceful, Platinum Rams require stable water conditions and are best suited to aquarists with some experience maintaining tropical aquariums. Quick Facts Common Name Platinum Ram Cichlid Scientific Name Mikrogeophagus ramirezi Origin South America (colour-bred variety) Adult Size 5–7 cm Lifespan 2–4 years Temperament Peaceful Care Level Moderate Minimum Tank Size 75 litres Temperature 27–30°C pH 5.5–7.0 Hardness Soft to moderately soft (1–8 dGH) Diet Omnivore Appearance Platinum Ram Cichlids display an eye-catching pearly white to metallic silver body with subtle iridescent highlights. Their red eyes and graceful finnage create an elegant appearance that suits both planted aquariums and minimalist aquascapes. Healthy fish should have: Bright, clean white colouring Clear red eyes Fully extended fins Active swimming behaviour Strong appetite Natural Habitat The wild form of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi originates from the warm, slow-moving waters of the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia. Platinum Rams are selectively bred in captivity but still thrive in conditions that resemble their natural habitat, including warm temperatures, gentle water flow and plenty of cover. Tank Requirements Platinum Rams appreciate mature, stable aquariums with excellent water quality. Recommended setup: Minimum 75-litre aquarium for a pair Fine sand or smooth gravel substrate Driftwood and rocks for shelter Live plants for security Gentle filtration with low to moderate flow Stable warm water Regular partial water changes Because Rams are sensitive to poor water quality, they should only be introduced into fully cycled aquariums. Behaviour and Temperament Platinum Rams are among the most peaceful dwarf cichlids available. They spend much of their time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium and can become quite interactive with their owners. During breeding they may become territorial around their nesting site, but aggression is usually limited and manageable in appropriately sized aquariums. They are often kept as: Single fish Compatible pairs Peaceful community fish Feature fish in planted aquariums Tank Mates Platinum Rams do well with peaceful tropical fish that enjoy similarly warm water. Suitable tank mates include: Cardinal Tetras Rummy Nose Tetras Ember Tetras Harlequin Rasboras Corydoras (warm-water tolerant species) Bristlenose Catfish Kuhli Loaches Peaceful Gouramis Avoid: Large aggressive cichlids Fin-nipping species Very active or boisterous fish Fish that prefer cool water Feeding Platinum Ram Cichlids are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. Offer a combination of: High-quality cichlid pellets Premium tropical flakes Frozen bloodworms Frozen brine shrimp Daphnia Live foods as an occasional treat Feed small portions once or twice daily, ensuring all food is eaten within a few minutes. Water Parameters Maintaining stable water conditions is one of the most important factors for success. Ideal parameters: Temperature: 27–30°C pH: 5.5–7.0 Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Below 20 ppm Warm, clean, stable water will help maintain their colour, health and longevity. Breeding Platinum Rams are substrate spawners and can breed successfully in the home aquarium. Breeding conditions include: Warm water around 28–30°C Flat stones or broad leaves for spawning Excellent water quality High-protein conditioning foods Both parents typically guard the eggs and fry, although some captive-bred fish may be less attentive than wild strains. Common Health Issues Like other Ram varieties, Platinum Rams can be sensitive to stress and poor water conditions. Potential health concerns include: White Spot (Ich) Fin rot Internal parasites Bacterial infections Stress-related illnesses Maintaining excellent water quality, avoiding sudden parameter changes and feeding a varied diet greatly reduces the risk of disease. Why Choose a Platinum Ram Cichlid? Platinum Rams are an excellent choice for aquarists looking for an elegant, peaceful centrepiece fish. They offer: Stunning white metallic colouring Peaceful community behaviour Compact size for medium aquariums Interesting personality Compatibility with planted aquariums Fascinating breeding behaviour With warm, stable water and proper care, Platinum Ram Cichlids become active, colourful and rewarding additions to tropical aquariums in both homes and offices.