Gold Sunshine - Balloon Ramirezi 2.5cm

Gold Sunshine - Balloon Ramirezi

Sometimes the art of selective breeding fish to gain desirable traits can unlock a surprise in fish genetics which is how the balloon sunshine gold ram came to be. Already the gold blue ram was a unique fish on this list with its genetic divergence from the common blue ram. However, with the addition of the ballon-like body shape, it takes this fish one step further. What makes these sunshine rams different from standard balloon golds though is that they have been bred for a taller body shape. These fish carry a genetic trait that leads to them having a more compact and rounded body than a standard elongated fish shape, the trait is often commonly called the "short body" or "balloon" gene.

The balloon sunshine gold ram has at times received negative criticism from aquarium breeding purists who have the view that these short body fish are destined to a poor life. However, under the right, educated, and skilled care, these fish can be a delight to keep. Rams, in general, are popularised due to their striking colours, great personality, and their slight challenge to keep. Though electric blue rams are already considered to be a challenging fish due to their sensitive nature and high-temperature requirement the balloon sunshine gold ram should have extra care taken as mentioned before. Their compact body often leads to their digestive system being easily prone to blockage and bloating, which is why they should be fed in minimal quantities with food they can easily process.

These balloon sunshine gold rams will develop a wonderful bright yellow colour that is very rarely seen occurring naturally in the aquarium hobby. They also have a dash of white through the belly area which contrasts amazingly with the red eye and blue speckling through the body. The other benefit is the large fins that these fish carry which look great when displayed and catch light in the aquarium.

The colours coupled with their bold personalities; these fish quickly win over so many aquarists. Their care is often regarded to be like the prized discus which is why sunshine gold rams and discus are often kept together. Balloon sunshine gold rams though are regarded as a community fish as they are peaceful and remain small at 7cm max. They are also bred easily in captivity however differentiating males and females is slightly difficult as there are no direct distinguishing factors. The most common method to identify the gender is to get a pack of 4-6 rams and let them naturally pair off.

Tank Recommendations for your Gold Sunshine - Balloon Ramirezi

Being a dwarf cichlid, balloon sunshine gold rams can be kept in smaller aquariums however the minimum would be around 60 litres. As always though a larger aquarium would be far better and making sure there is a decent floor space can avoid any territorial behaviour that balloon electric blue rams may exhibit.

A sand or small grain gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as they routinely sift through the substrate looking for food. Balloon sunshine gold rams should be kept with others of their kind to make them feel comfortable and be more active in the aquarium, this may also even reduce aggression they could show to other fish. They are also soft water fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in PH as low as 6 which makes them a great planted aquarium species.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The balloon sunshine gold ram is a peaceful fish that only may display aggression in territorial disputes however can be kept with a wide range of community fish.

Usually Compatible

Discus, Angelfish, cardinal tetras, Corydoras, and other balloon ram strains.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger peaceful South American cichlids such as Uaru, Severums however there is a high chance these fish may outcompete the rams. The balloon sunshine gold rams are mostly bottom-dwelling so fish that would not interfere with their feeding is recommended.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as Oscars which may prey on the balloon sunshine gold rams.

Feeding your Gold Sunshine - Balloon Ramirezi

During feeding, the most care should be taken for these fish as they are easily susceptible to bloat and blockages. The rams will however take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. However, due to their compact nature, it is best to offer micro foods such as crushed pellets or flakes and food that is easily digestible.

just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms in very small portions.