Gold Balloon Ram Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi 4cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Gold Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
Overview
The Gold Balloon Ram is a captivating freshwater dwarf cichlid, featuring a rounded “balloon” body shape and striking golden-yellow coloration. Peaceful and charming, it adds color and character to planted community aquariums.
Origin
Native to the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia. Prefers slow-moving streams and floodplain areas with soft substrates, leaf litter, and dense vegetation.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Accepts high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), and small live foods. A varied diet enhances coloration and vitality.
Tank Mates
Peaceful. Compatible with small, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and other dwarf cichlids. Avoid large or aggressive fish.
Aggression
Low to moderate. Territorial during breeding but generally peaceful in well-planted tanks with sufficient space.
Experience Level
Intermediate. Requires stable, clean water conditions for health and vibrant coloration.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 78°F – 85°F (25°C – 29°C)
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pH: 5.5 – 6.8
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Hardness: 1 – 6 dGH
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Notes: Provide sandy substrate, driftwood, and dense plants for hiding and breeding. Gentle water flow is recommended.
Vibrant, peaceful, and visually stunning, the Gold Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is ideal for aquarists seeking a charming and colorful dwarf cichlid for planted freshwater community tanks.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.