Platinum Ramirezi 3.5cm

Platinum Ramirezi

Sometimes the art of selective breeding fish to gain desirable traits can unlock a surprise in fish genetics which is how the platinum ram came to be. This is likely a special strain developed by line breeding the ever-so-popular electric blue ram. These fish carry all the loved behaviours and challenges that standard blue rams do whilst being a bright and new colour to the experience.

Platinum blue rams have such contrasting and vibrant colour, as they were derived from blue rams they share a lot of similar traits but the main difference is the pearl white body. Across the body there is a light powder blue sheen which reflects light and presents itself really well as the fish turns or flares its fins. To contrast these icy colours the face has a coppery orange streak complimented with the classic blood red eyes that rams have.

The colours coupled with their bold personalities, these fish quickly win over so many aquarists. Their care is often regarded to be similar to the prized discus which is why rams and discus are often kept together. Platinum rams though are regarded as a community fish as they are peaceful and remain fairly small at 7cm max. They are also bred fairly easy 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 Platinum Ramirezi
Being a dwarf cichlid, platinum 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 do routinely sift through the substrate looking for food. Platinum 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 platinum ram is a fairly 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. Platinum 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 Platinum Ramirezi
Platinum rams just like any fish though 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.