Dwarf Butterfly Cichlid - Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi is a species of freshwater fish endemic to the Orinoco River basin, in the savannahs of Venezuela and Colombia in South America. The species is also called as Dwarf butterfly cichlid has been examined in studies on fish behaviour and is a popular aquarium fish, traded under a variety of common names including Ram, Blue ram, German blue ram, Asian ram, Butterfly cichlid, Ramirez's dwarf cichlid and Ramirezi. The species is a member of the family Cichlidae and is included in subfamily Geophaginae.

The Dwarf butterfly cichlid is a popular cichlid for the tropical freshwater, community aquarium although it is not necessarily the easiest cichlid to maintain in many situations. This is because the species is often kept with other fish that are more assertive, aggressive or overly active. The species is innately shy and is best kept with passive dither fish, such as neon or cardinal tetras. The species will readily exhibit breeding behaviours in water of pH 5.0-6.5, though softer water encourages more regular spawning. It is easier to maintain the species in larger aquaria as the species is intolerant of common aquarium pollutants such as nitrate.

The aquarium should be decorated to mimic the natural environment and is best decorated with several densely planted regions of aquatic plants, separated by open water. The Dwarf butterfly cichlid species is prone to filial cannibalism of its brood if distressed. As the water must be free of pollutants, aquarium filtration is important, though water movement should not be extreme. Removing and replacing small amounts of water changes assists with minimising the quantities of these pollutants and should be conducted regularly.

Numerous strains of Dwarf butterfly cichlid have been developed in Asia for the tropical aquarium fish hobby. These include numerous xanthistic forms, known as gold rams, along with larger, high-bodied and long-finned varieties. Many of these varieties suffer from lower fertility, health problems or reduced brood care in comparison to wild-type specimens.

Chocolate Gourami - Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) isn't really recommended fish species for most tanks due to its exceptionally shy nature and particular water requirements. It can be maintained quite successfully in a well-planted aquarium, softwater tank but to see it at its best a natural-style set-up is preferable. Despite not being particularly representative of its natural waters a soft, sandy substrate is probably the best choice here not least because it would be impossible to accurately simulate a peat swamp habitat in an aquarium! Add a few driftwood roots and branches, placing these in such a way that a few shady spots are formed.


Feeds on various insects, zooplankton and occasionally the fry and other fish in nature. In some experience of keeping tropical fish, the Chocolate Gourami species is almost as anxious to feed as often reported, although it seems that food is best when you offer regular meals of small live foods such as Daphnia or Artemia. These are especially useful when acclimatizing new imported specimens or device for raising fish. Frozen alternatives are perfectly acceptable in most cases, even the dry foods are often taken without any fuss. If your Sphaerichthys osphromenoides refuses to eat the problem probably lies in the water conditions, although wild-caught fish are known to harbor internal parasites or other bugs on occasion.

Albino Pearlscale Angelfish Red Eye Pictures

Many varieties of selectively bred angelfish (Pterophyllum) are available, which have variations in the nine basic colors. One of the different types of angelfish is the Albino Pearlscale Angelfish. As seen in the fish pictures below, if Pterophyllum Altum Angelfish identified by its brown vertical stripes over a silver body. The Albino Angel is a strain of angelfish that is white to silver in color with yellow/orange coloration across the head and has red eyes.


Albino Angelfish is a very easy to maintain aquarium fish. It can be found in every aquarium pet shop and prefers a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming.

It is best, when trying to breed the Freshwater Angelfish, to house a number of angels in the same aquarium until they pair off. After a pair has developed, a flat surface needs to be provided where the eggs can be laid. A piece of slate, a large plant leaf, or even a flowerpot should be positioned at an angle of about 30 degrees in an area of moderate water flow. The Albino Angelfish female will lay the eggs and the male will follow behind to fertilize. After approximately three days, the eggs will hatch and the fry will emerge. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food.


Albino Pearlscale Angelfish needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetables as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. The genetic variations in the scales and fins have given rise to the Pearscale and Veiltail varieties. Bring home these delightful fishes and watch these 'angels in water' add grace and elegance to your aquarium.