Origin: in some rivers in Bolivia and Brazil, including the Rio Guaporé and Rio Mamoré.
Size: 2-3.5"
ph: 5.0-7.5
temp: 76- 81f
tank size: 20 or bigger.
Tank set up: lots of plants and places to hide the more hide outs they have the more outgoing they will be. They should have sand seeing that they are a dwarf earth eatter. They sift throw the sand for food.
Food: some can be picky so I have hear from others. Mine are not picky eatten flakes and crushed sinking pellets. They rarely will go to the surface to eat so sinking food is best.
Tank mates: other dwarf cichlds that are peacful. They do best is groups or as a pair. To males will fight but it's not that bad. Tetras, corys, plecos, gouramis are some good tank mates. I have a betta with mine and have no problems.
Temperment: peaceful But 2 males will fight from time to time. They don't pay much attention to other fish. These guys are hardy rams much easier to keep then the German rams. These guys have lots of spunk.
Sexing: very hard. It takes a trianed eye IMO. If you look At them from the side and look at the bottom of the belly the females will be round makes will be flat. Females are stocky males slim and tend to be larger and brighter. They say males have longerfins and they do But females have pointed fins too. Sexing is very hard unless full grown.
Breeding : easy if conditioned right with good food and good water. They will spawn in sand pits or on rocks. Best way to get a pair is to by 6 and let them pair up.
1/5/2010, 7:36 pm
