Overview
- The German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), also called Ramirez’s dwarf cichlid or butterfly cichlid, is a small, jewel-like dwarf cichlid.
- Native to the llanos savanna wetlands of the Orinoco basin in Venezuela and Colombia.
- Grows to about 1.6 in (4 cm) standard length.
- Bred commercially in huge numbers, including gold, electric blue and long-finned forms.
Feeding
- Sifts sand for food.
- Offer live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus quality sinking foods. [UNVERIFIED]
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 24 × 12 in (60 × 30 cm).
- Soft sand, wood, caves and flat stones.
- Very warm, soft water: 81–86°F (27–30°C), pH 4.0–7.0, GH 1–10.
Fish Care
- Needs pristine water and warm temperatures.
- Not recommended for beginners.
Compatibility
- Not ideal for a general community tank. It competes poorly for food.
- Peaceful schooling tetras make good tankmates and help it feel secure.
- Choose tankmates that tolerate high temperatures.
Aquarium Behavior
- Generally peaceful, but pairs defend a territory when breeding.
Breeding
- A substrate spawner. Both parents care for eggs and fry.
- Breed in a dedicated tank.
- Eggs fungus easily unless water is very clean and soft. Young pairs may eat their eggs at first.