Species profile

Ram Cichlid – Dark Knight

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi var. "Dark Knight"

Common names: Ram Cichlid - Dark Knight, Dark Knight Ram

Recognized speciesCichlids

Adult size

Up to 6 cm

Typical adult length 4–6 cm.

Up to 6 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Intermediate shrimp keepers
Peaceful nano aquariums

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A melanic captive ram strain with dark blue-black colour that still requires the same warm pristine conditions as other M. ramirezi.

Appearance and Identification

A dark charcoal to blue-black ram with metallic blue iridescence and reduced contrast in the usual eye bar and flank spot.

Dark Knight is a captive colour variety of M. ramirezi. Very dark pigment can hide stress bars, injuries, and body condition, so behaviour must be watched closely.

Males are generally larger with longer dorsal rays. Females may show a rounder abdomen and subtle pink tones, but sexing can be difficult in dark strains.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 120–180 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 50–100 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 60 litres
Minimum tank length: 60 cm
Minimum group size: 2
Recommended group size: 2
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Low
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Low

Provide fine sand, plants, wood, flat stones, gentle filtration, and stable warm water in a mature aquarium.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A small lower-level cichlid that is usually peaceful outside breeding but sensitive to poor water quality and social stress.

Keep a compatible pair or a small group in a larger structured aquarium. Forced pairs may fight.

Both parents defend a small spawning territory and may attack bottom-dwelling fish near eggs or fry.

Use peaceful warm-water tank mates that do not dominate food. Shrimplets are prey, and cool-water community fish are unsuitable.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 27–31 °C
pH: 5–7.5
GH: 1–10
KH: 0–5
TDS: 30–180
Stability importance: Critical

Keep at 27 to 30°C with very low nitrogen waste and stable soft to moderate mineral content.

Parameter caveat

Select fish with normal body shape, clear eyes, open fins, and active feeding. Quarantine carefully.

Feeding

Diet types: Insectivore, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Live baby brine shrimpUseful for conditioning adults and feeding juveniles; rinse before use.
Daphnia, cyclops, or mosquito larvaeSmall moving prey encourages natural feeding behaviour.
Frozen brine shrimp or mysisOffer thawed portions sized for the fish.
High-quality cichlid micro-pelletUse as part of a varied diet after the fish accepts prepared food.

An omnivorous micropredator requiring varied small foods and excellent nutrition.

Feed several small meals daily. Avoid relying on flakes alone and do not keep at low temperature to slow metabolism.

Breeding

Breeding type: Egg Layer, Substrate Spawner
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Breeding temperature: 29 °C
Breeding pH: 6.2
Brood or egg count: Usually 100 to 300 eggs.
Incubation: 3 days
Parental care: Biparental care
Baby foods: Newly hatched brine shrimpPrimary food for free-swimming fry; feed small rinsed portions several times daily.
MicrowormsUseful supplementary food for small fry near the substrate.
Fine powdered fry foodUse sparingly and remove uneaten material.

A biparental open substrate spawner. Eggs are laid on a flat surface or in a shallow pit and guarded by both parents.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Captive-Developed, Colombia, South America, Venezuela
Natural habitat: Floodplain, Freshwater Wetland, Slow River
Aquarium contexts: Breeding Aquarium, Freshwater Aquarium, Freshwater Community, Planted Aquarium
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Mikrogeophagus
Family: Cichlidae
Species group: Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids

Have you kept this species?

You can write a note about what worked for you, or send a photograph. We check everything before it appears here.

Share a note or photo