Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (ram cichlid) is a dwarf cichlid found in the Orinoco river basin in the savannahs of Venezuela and Columbia in South America. Male specimens of the ram usually have the first few rays of the dorsal fin extended, but breeding has made some females also show this. The water is generally slow-flowing, contains few dissolved minerals, and ranges in colour from clear to darkly stained with tannins.
Scientific Name | Common Name | Size | Temperament |
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | German Blue Ram | 50-75mm. | Peaceful* |
Water Temperature | Water pH | Tank Size | Diet |
29-30°C | 5-7.5 | 60 litres | Omnivores |
Lifespan | Care | Breeding ease | |
5 years | Intermediate | Easy |
*Like many cichlids, blue rams can be a bit feisty if the fish tank is too small or they are tending their eggs. However, they are relatively peaceful and are often kept in a community aquarium with other similar-sized fish that enjoy the same water parameters.