The shimmery color and bold personality of german blue ram make them the ideal choice for aquariums. In this article you will get to know about their exquisite appearance and confidence which makes them popular among aquarists.
About German Blue Ram
This specie is know by name of ram cichlid a freshwater fish. The scientifically this fish known as Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, originate in South America. Ram cichlid is examined on its behaviour and famous in aquarium trade. Other common names of ram cichlid are:
- Asian ram
- Ramirezi dwarf cichlid
- Butterfly cichlid, and
- Ramirezi
The German Blue Ram belongs to the family of Cichlidae, and the subfamily of Geophaginae. This fresh water specie is endemic to Orinco River, in Savannahs (Venezuela) and Colombia (South America).
Appearance of German Blue Ram
German blue ram is an active, hardy and friendly for new fish keepers. The body shape of fish is regular, have long fins and blue ram on its body. Ram cichlid is distinctive due to its striking blue color. If we talk about its base color, its gold or silver with black markings. These are usually over head and fins (dorsal fins). Their fins tip color is different they are slightly red or orange in color. This fish got its name from its vibrant reflective and electric blue appearance.
This American dwarf cichlid is from the family of loach (Cichlidae). It’s a classic beginner fish, known because of its regular shape and vivid blue coloration However, when it comes to its size ram cichlid size is 2-2.5 inches reaching to its maximum length. In centimeters the this fish is 5-6 cm. This fish is little smaller than its cousin Bolivian ram cichlid. Moreover, this specie can lives for about 4 years and considered less hardy as compared to other species.
Characteristics
German blue ram is known for its three main characteristics:
- Shape: the fish have regular body shape.
- Behaviour: these are peaceful and social specie good for community tanks.
- Compatibility: a compatible fish can live any community fish and same temperature fish.
Tank Parameters of German Blue Ram
Ram cichlid are good beginner fish, they are active, less hardy and good for community tanks. Moreover, the tank size for a pair of Ram is 20 gallon and 10 gallon for breeding. And if you wish to keep two pair of ram 40 gallon size is ideal. While setting up the tank for M. ramirezi , they should be provided with java fern and aquarium mosses as like to dig.
Moreover, if your tap water is hard, add driftwood and Indian almonds leaves to soften water. They can live in wide range of water pH level, but prefer soft and low GH water condition.
Temperature or pH level
German blue ram are originate from South America, they can live in warm and acidic water. The best considered pH level for water is 5.0-7.0 with the parameters of 77.9-85.1 degree fahrenhiets. Water is slow flowing and contains dissolved minerals, and color of water is darkly stain with tannins.
For maintaining water conditions, water quality should be good and change once in a week. Use good quality filters in aquarium to keep your fish healthy, happy and safe. As they are sensitive fish, tank should have good environment which must be clean and maintained.
Feeding
German blue ram are omnivores and not picky eater, eat very dry food. They like to eat sinking food, pellets and frozen dried bloodworm. They also prefer to have frozen baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and mysis shrimps for adults. Provide them with the wide variety of food, so that they don’t have nurtient deficiency, to keep healthy.
Breeding
For breeding, separate tank is suggested 10 gallon is recommended. The tank have slight variation in water quality and temperature to safe the fry. German blue ram breed in acidic 5.5-6.5 soft water, and then gradually increase the temperature. The condition for breeding is they should be highly fed before transferring them in to the new tank.
However, the ram cichlid require flat rock on which female can lay eggs. Then male fertilize them, the eggs will hatch in 3-5 days. Keep in mind change almost 50% of water daily to remove medication from tank. In first food feed them infusoria, after some time feed them live baby brine shrimp and powder food.
Conclusion
German blue ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) a peaceful and freshwater specie. Their vibrant and shimmery base color adds elegance to any aquarium. Moreover, social behaviour and compatibility with tank mates make them favorite among aquarist. They a slightly less hardy, but with proper care and maintained environment they can survive. However, with right setup and care they can become highlight in your aquarium.