German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
About
The German blue ram is a small South American cichlid from the Orinoco basin, prized for bright colour and rounded finnage in aquarium strains. Wild fish live in warm, soft, acidic water; tank-bred lines are more adaptable but still need stable, clean conditions and temperatures at the warm end of tropical (often 26–30 °C). Males are more colourful; pairs form strong bonds and defend a territory when breeding. They sift sand for food—use fine substrate—and appreciate plants, driftwood, and calm tankmates that tolerate warm water.
Feeding & Diet
Small sinking pellets; frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworm; occasional live foods; include fine foods they can sift from sand.
Frequency: 1–2× daily
Avoid overfeeding; warm water and water quality affect colour and health more than in many community fish.
Habitat
Native Region: Venezuela, Colombia (Orinoco drainage)
Slow streams and floodplain pools; soft, tannin-stained water with leaf litter and plants.
Fine sand, driftwood, caves, and plants; minimal flow; stable parameters—avoid sudden chills.
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Bottom- to mid-water; territorial when breeding; keep with peaceful dither fish if desired.
Breeding
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Egg layer
Sexual Dimorphism: Males often brighter with extended dorsal rays; females may show pink belly when mature.
Pairs clean a flat stone or leaf and guard eggs and wrigglers; soft, acidic water and privacy help; remove aggressive tankmates during spawning.
Tank Setup
Substrate: Sand
Plant Safe: Yes
Flat rocks or leaves for spawning; line-of-sight breaks reduce squabbles.
Your tanks
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Care Requirements
Similar Dwarf Cichlid Fish
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