−10%
Moderate
Ramirez Dwarf Cichlid balloon (Papiliochromis ramirezi balloon)
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
£12.59£13.99
The Black Ram is a peaceful, dark-coloured South American dwarf cichlid for warm, soft, well-maintained tanks.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Papiliochromis ramirezi black
The Black Ram is a peaceful, dark-coloured South American dwarf cichlid for warm, soft, well-maintained tanks.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The Black Ram (Papiliochromis ramirezi) is a darker selectively bred form of the classic ram cichlid, named for the deep, smoky colouration that sets it apart from the standard type. It keeps everything fishkeepers love about rams, a small 5 cm size, a peaceful nature and plenty of charm, wrapped in a striking dark palette.
This is a fish for the warm, soft, acidic aquarium. Keep the temperature towards the upper tropical range at 26-30°C, hold the pH between 5.5 and 7.0, and aim for soft water of 1-10 dGH in a tank of at least 60 litres. A planted layout with driftwood and quiet corners suits it well, and consistently high, stable temperatures keep it healthy and active. As with all rams it is happiest as a bonded pair or in a small group, and it is sensitive to poor water quality, so reliable filtration and routine maintenance matter.
It feeds as an omnivore on frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, micro pellets and flakes, foraging mainly across the lower levels. Calm and undemanding in company, the Black Ram makes an unusual, understated centrepiece for a peaceful community. The smoky tone deepens in a relaxed, well-conditioned fish, so quiet surroundings and steady warmth show this variant at its best. Because rams are sensitive to swings in quality, add new fish only to a fully cycled, stable aquarium, and keep up regular maintenance and varied feeding to hold both colour and condition; given that care, the Black Ram is an unusual and understated alternative to the brighter ram colour forms for a calm community tank.
Good companions for the Black Ram include small tetras, corydoras, otocinclus and rasboras. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large fish and fin-nippers, all of which can stress this gentle dwarf cichlid. Add it only to a fully matured, stable aquarium. We send every Black Ram with a licensed live-animal courier, backed by our live arrival guarantee.
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L
28–30°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 300L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 200L
23–27°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
24–28°C · pH 8–9 · 300L