German blue ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi · Cichlidae
Also known as Blue ram, Butterfly cichlid
Advanced
Brilliantly coloured dwarf cichlid that needs warm, clean, soft water and stable parameters.
In short: A German blue ram needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 26–30 °C (79–86 °F) and pH 5.5–7. It is peaceful, kept in pairs or more, and rated advanced to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Adult size
- 6 cm (2.4 in)
- Group size
- 2+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- Lifespan
- 2–4 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Orinoco llanos, Venezuela and Colombia
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Warm, shallow, sandy savannah pools
- Natural conditions
- Very warm, very soft, acidic, still water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Cardinal tetraSterbai corydorasHarlequin rasbora
- Avoid
- Another pair in a small tankAggressive cichlids
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Females show a pink belly; males have longer dorsal spines.
- Notes
- Substrate spawner; farmed stock often eats the first few batches.
- Common ailments
- Bacterial infections from farmed stockHexamitaNitrate sensitivity
Will it fit your tank?
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