Blue Ram Cichlid
Common Names: Blue Ram, Dwarf Ram, Butterfly Cichlid
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi
Maximum Size: 3 inches
Life expectancy: 3 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 79°F
pH Range: 5.0 - 7.0
Water hardness: Soft
Temperament: Semi Peaceful
Origin: South America
Aquarium Setup:
Open aquarium space is needed for these active swimmers. Plants should be arranged in dense groups instead of spread out over the tank bottom.
Blue Rams love caves where they can hide, any hollow tank decoration of the correct size will work fine. Rams will spawn on top of stones, so add several especially if you’re planning on breeding them.
Diet:
These omnivores will eat a wide selection of foods including tubifex, flake food and bloodworms. They will also consume either frozen or live worms and brine shrimp.
Tank Mates/Community:
Blue Rams will fare well with any other peaceful fish species, but they should be mixed with other fish of the same size. They can be mixed with Discus, Gouramis, Loaches, Tetras, Angelfish and Danios.
Behavior:
Rams will have their own individual personalities. While many are very active, others will just lazily glide through the water. They are generally a peaceful fish, but at times they may quarrel between themselves!
Rams aren’t known to physically hurt other fish, but could eat some of the smaller ones. They are also very social fish that will form monogamous pairs.
Color:
Blue Rams can have scales and spots that vary in color such as blue, red, black, yellow and even purple. Many have spots and scales that are iridescent and will change in color.
Most Rams will have an orange colored face, their belly will be yellow and red and they are neon blue on the back portion of their bodies. They are a very desired species with their almost glowing blue color and vertical black bands.
Breeding:
While it is a little difficult to breed Blue Rams, it’s not impossible with the right conditions. The water should have a pH of six and be kept at around 80* F. Rams will lay their eggs on the surface of a clean rock. You can expect from 150 to 200 eggs to be laid by each female.
Both females and males share in raising the fry. A Ram’s sex can be identified by the dorsal fin, males will be longer than females. As in most cases, females will also be lighter in color. Females will also have a pink colored area located on her belly.
Interesting Notes:
Blue Rams don’t develop their best colors until they’ve reached sexual maturity. And, an adult fish won’t usually display their prettiest colors until after they’ve settled into a new home and have started to feel safe! After a pair has spawned, you will probably also see a marked improvement in their colors.
