I found my pretty little female ram dead this morning, without any sign of a disease, or of a fight. I was wondering the life span of these fish. I am going to test the water considering, but the rest of my fish seem fine.

-Joel

I've heard that the big breeders commonly treat the rams with hormones before sale, thus getting early coloration but shortening their lifespan. I read that you are better off getting locally bred rams if you can find them.

The general lifespan of most Microgeophagus species is about 4 years.

Hmm...I wonder how old it was when I got it??? I don't think it died of old age. Sad Boo Hooo Poor thing, it was so pretty too

I have heard about 2 years for the german rams and I have never gotten them to live more than that and I have had many.