15 Ram Cichlid Tank Mates

Have you ever found yourself admiring the vibrant colors and striking patterns of Ram Cichlids, and wondered what tank mates can coexist with them? I remember when I first started keeping these beautiful fish, the challenge was to find suitable companions for them.

by Fabian

Updated: April 21, 2023 / 13 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

In this article, we’ll explore some excellent options for Ram Cichlid tank mates to create a harmonious and visually stunning aquarium. So, let’s dive in!

Guppies

Guppies, also known as the millionfish, are among the most popular and hardy species in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Their colorful and peaceful nature makes them an ideal choice for a community tank with Ram Cichlids.

They come in various colors, sizes, and patterns, offering a fascinating and visually captivating addition to your tank. There’s just something delightful about seeing these tiny, shimmering fish thrive in a well-maintained environment.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, will accept flake food, frozen, and live foods.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

Guppies coexist well with Ram Cichlids as both species share similar water parameters and feeding requirements. However, it’s essential to maintain a good aquarium balance to offer enough space and hiding spots for each specie to live peacefully.

With proper care, your Ram Cichlids and Guppies will form an engaging, dynamic, and harmonious underwater community.

Platies

Platies, known for their hardiness and bright colors, are another excellent choice of tank mates for Ram Cichlids. These easy-going fish are peaceful and well-suited for living in a community aquarium. They are also non-aggressive, allowing your Ram Cichlids to thrive without the stress of territorial disputes or aggressive behavior.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, comfortable with flake food, frozen, or live foods.
• Max. Size: 3 inches

One of my favorite things about Platies is their impressive adaptability. They can survive varied water conditions and temperatures, making them a great addition to a mixed-species tank. Just like with guppies, ensure you provide adequate space and hiding spots for your Platies and Ram Cichlids to flourish together.

With proper attention and care, these two species will create a lively and serene environment that you and your aquatic pets will surely enjoy.

Mollies

Mollies are yet another fantastic option to pair with Ram Cichlids in a community aquarium. They are known for their attractive appearance, with various color options and fin shapes, and their adaptable and easy-going nature. Mollies are also peaceful and non-aggressive, which ensures a healthy environment for your Ram Cichlids.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, eat flake food, frozen, or live foods.
• Max. Size: 4.5 inches

When considering Mollies as tank mates for Ram Cichlids, bear in mind that Mollies tend to prefer slightly alkaline water conditions. However, with proper attention to water parameters and consistent maintenance, these two species can comfortably share a tank.

By providing adequate space and hiding spots, you will create the perfect environment for your Mollies and Ram Cichlids to coexist harmoniously, offering you a visually delightful and peaceful aquarium experience.

Swordtails

Swordtails, named for their elongated, sword-like tails, are a striking fish species that can make excellent tank mates for Ram Cichlids. Their peaceful temperament and unique appearance add a touch of grace and beauty to any community aquarium.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, happy with flake food, frozen, and live foods.
• Max. Size: 4 inches

Swordtails, like Ram Cichlids, share similar water requirements, which makes them a compatible choice for a shared habitat. It’s worth noting that Swordtails can sometimes be mildly territorial, especially when breeding.

Therefore, providing ample swimming space and hiding spots in the tank can help minimize any potential disputes. When proper care and attention are given, Swordtails and Ram Cichlids can create a captivating and peaceful aquatic environment that will be a joy to observe and maintain.

Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf Gouramis, with their vibrant colors and captivating patterns, are another excellent option for pairing with Ram Cichlids in your community tank. These elegant fish possess an enchanting beauty that will undoubtedly become a focal point in any aquarium setup.

• Compatibility: 3.5 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, enjoy flake food, frozen, and live foods.
• Max. Size: 3.5 inches

Both Dwarf Gouramis and Ram Cichlids share a preference for calm, well-planted environments, making them a suitable match. However, it’s crucial to monitor their interactions, as male Dwarf Gouramis may exhibit some territorial behavior.

By providing sufficient hiding spots for both species and ensuring proper tank maintenance, they can successfully coexist within the same aquatic habitat, forming a harmonious and diverse underwater ecosystem that will delight any fish enthusiast.

Bristlenose Pleco

Bristlenose Plecos, known for their peculiar appearance and beneficial algae-eating habits, can be an exceptional addition to a Ram Cichlid tank. These intriguing fish are docile, making them a perfect fit for a peaceful community aquarium.

• Compatibility: 4.5 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous, primarily consume algae but will also eat vegetables and sinking algae wafers.
• Max. Size: 5 inches

Adding a Bristlenose Pleco to your tank not only introduces an interesting new companion for your Ram Cichlids but also helps maintain a cleaner aquatic habitat as they tirelessly munch on algae.

To ensure a harmonious tank environment, provide plenty of hiding spots and a balanced diet for all occupants. With proper care, Ram Cichlids and Bristlenose Plecos can create a diverse and captivating underwater world that you’ll be proud to call your own.

Cory Catfish

Cory Catfish, with their adorable appearance and playful personalities, are another great choice as tank mates for your Ram Cichlids. These bottom dwellers offer an enjoyable contrast, both visually and behaviorally, to the other fish occupying your tank.

• Compatibility: 5 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, enjoy sinking pellets, wafers, and live or frozen foods.
• Max. Size: 2.5 inches

The peaceful temperament of Cory Catfish makes them a non-threatening companion to share your Ram Cichlids’ aquatic home. As bottom dwellers, they complement the mid- to upper-level swimming habits of Ram Cichlids, reducing competition for space in the tank.

Just remember to provide enough hiding spots and proper nutrition for both species, and you’ll have a lively and harmonious fish community to admire and enjoy.

Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loaches, with their unique eel-like appearance and nocturnal habits, are a fascinating addition to any Ram Cichlid tank. These peaceful fish are known for their gentle nature and interesting hiding behaviors, making them compatible with Ram Cichlids.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, enjoy sinking pellets, wafers, and live or frozen foods.
• Max. Size: 4 inches

Kuhli Loaches are compatible with Ram Cichlids because they are docile, predominantly nocturnal, and occupy the lower levels of the tank. Be sure to provide enough hiding spots and a sandy or smooth substrate to protect their sensitive undersides.

With proper care, Kuhli Loaches and Ram Cichlids will help create an active, diverse, and stimulating aquatic environment that captivates anyone’s attention.

Tetras

Tetras, renowned for their vibrant colors and schooling behavior, are yet another excellent option for accompanying your Ram Cichlids in a community aquarium. These small, active fish add a captivating and dynamic presence to your tank.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, happy with flake food, frozen, and live foods.
• Max. Size: varies by species, usually 1-2 inches

Tetras coexist peacefully with Ram Cichlids. They share similar water requirements, and their small size minimizes aggression and territorial disputes. When choosing Tetras as tank mates, opt for gentler species like Neon or Cardinal Tetras to ensure a harmonious environment.

Provide ample swimming space, hiding spots, and proper nutrition, and enjoy the colorful and lively spectacle that Tetras and Ram Cichlids create in your aquarium.

Zebra Danio

Zebra Danios, distinguished by their striking horizontal stripes, offer an attractive and lively addition to a Ram Cichlid tank. Their active swimming and peaceful nature make them an ideal choice for a diverse community aquarium.

• Compatibility: 3.5 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, enjoy flake food, frozen, and live foods.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

One aspect to consider when introducing Zebra Danios to your Ram Cichlid tank is that they tend to prefer cooler water temperatures. However, with proper attention to water conditions and regular maintenance, they can adapt to similar temperatures as Ram Cichlids.

Ensure you provide plenty of swimming space, as Danios appreciate room to dart around. With adequate care, Zebra Danios and Ram Cichlids can create a lively and visually appealing aquatic environment for you to enjoy.

Discus Fish

Discus Fish, known for their stunning colors and distinctive circular shape, can be a striking addition to a Ram Cichlid tank. However, their compatibility with Ram Cichlids requires extra consideration due to their particular care requirements.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 50 gallons
• Care Level: Expert
• Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous, prefer live and frozen foods, like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
• Max. Size: 6 inches

While Discus fish share similar water parameters with Ram Cichlids, they are quite sensitive to water quality and require meticulous attention to tank maintenance. Moreover, Discus prefer a more peaceful and calmer environment than the more energetic Ram Cichlids.

If you decide to keep these two species together, a large tank with ample hiding spots and diligent maintenance will be crucial for their coexistence. This pairing is best suited for experienced aquarists willing to invest time in creating the perfect balance necessary for both species to thrive harmoniously.

Angelfish

Angelfish, with their eye-catching, elongated fins and elegant appearance, can make an interesting tank mate choice for Ram Cichlids. However, their compatibility may require careful consideration and monitoring.

• Compatibility: 2.5 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, eat flake food, frozen, or live foods.
• Max. Size: 6 inches

It’s essential to carefully observe interactions between Angelfish and Ram Cichlids, as Angelfish can sometimes become territorial or aggressive, particularly during breeding or feeding. With proper attention to tank size, hiding spots, and balanced nutrition, it’s possible for the two species to coexist harmoniously.

However, be prepared to intervene or separate the fish if any signs of aggression occur. Experienced aquarists can attempt this pairing, keeping a close eye on any potential issues, and creating a visually stunning and diverse aquatic habitat.

Rasboras

Rasboras, known for their attractive colors and peaceful schooling behavior, make an excellent choice as tank mates for Ram Cichlids. These small, active fish contribute to creating a dynamic community aquarium.

• Compatibility: 4.5 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, enjoy flake food, frozen, and live foods.
• Max. Size: varies by species, usually 1.5-2 inches

Rasboras are peaceful fish that coexist well with Ram Cichlids, benefiting from similar water conditions and non-aggressive surroundings. When introducing Rasboras, opt for species like Harlequin or Glowlight Rasboras to ensure a peaceful community.

As with other tank mates, it’s crucial to provide enough swimming space, hiding spots, and proper nutrition for both species to thrive. With the right care, Rasboras and Ram Cichlids will create a vibrant and harmonious aquatic environment that any fish enthusiast will love.

Oto Catfish

Oto Catfish, also known as Otocinclus, are small, hardworking fish that make an excellent addition to Ram Cichlid tanks. Their peaceful temperament and algae-eating habits contribute positively to the community aquarium environment.

• Compatibility: 4.5 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous, mostly algae, supplement with fresh vegetables and algae wafers.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

Oto Catfish are known to be great tank mates for Ram Cichlids due to their compatibility in water parameters and peaceful nature. Having Oto Catfish in your tank helps maintain cleanliness, as they tirelessly consume algae.

Ensure proper tank maintenance, provide hiding spots, and offer a balanced diet to create a thriving environment where both species can coexist peacefully. Introducing Oto Catfish to your Ram Cichlid tank will result in a more diverse, cleaner, and enjoyable aquatic habitat.

Black Ghost Knife Fish

Black Ghost Knife Fish, with their unique shape and mysterious aura, can make for a captivating addition to a Ram Cichlid aquarium. However, they do require special considerations for compatibility.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 100 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous, prefer live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
• Max. Size: 20 inches

While Black Ghost Knife Fish and Ram Cichlids can coexist peacefully, they have different preferences in habitat, and the Knife Fish grows considerably larger. It’s crucial to provide a spacious, well-planted tank with numerous hiding spots, as Black Ghosts are shy and mostly nocturnal.

Be cautious while selecting tank mates, particularly during the initial introduction, to ensure harmony between these two fascinating species. With proper care, they can coexist to create a mesmerizing and diverse aquatic landscape for experienced aquarists.

How to Choose Tank Mates for Ram Cichlids

From personal experience, choosing the right tank mates for Ram Cichlids can be both exciting and daunting. But worry not, I am here to guide you through this process with my tried and tested tips.

1. Consider the Size of Tank Mates

When selecting tank mates for your Ram Cichlids, their size is crucial. Ideally, opt for fish that are:

• Comparable in size
• Non-aggressive
• Peaceful

2. Compatibility in Temperament

Make sure to choose tank mates with similar temperaments. Rams are generally docile, so avoid overly aggressive or boisterous species.

3. Water Parameters

It’s essential to consider water parameters. Make sure that all the fish species in the tank have:

• Similar temperature requirements
• Comparable pH levels
• Comparable water hardness levels

4. Diet

Ensure that your Ram Cichlids and their tank mates have compatible diets. You don’t want to overfeed one species while underfeeding another.

Here’s a table of some of the best tank mates:

5. Observe and Adjust

Lastly, remember that each individual fish may have its unique personality. Observe your aquarium closely and make adjustments if needed.

Conclusion

Selecting suitable tank mates for your Ram Cichlids is vital in creating a thriving, peaceful, and harmonious aquatic environment. With a wide range of compatible species, such as Guppies, Tetras, Platies, and Cory Catfish, you can achieve a diverse and visually stunning aquarium.

Always remember to consider the individual needs of each species and provide a suitable habitat, hiding spots, and a well-balanced diet. With proper care, attention, and research, you will enjoy the serenity and beauty of a healthy, diverse community aquarium featuring Ram Cichlids and their remarkable tank mates.