Details
German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) – Colorful, Peaceful, and Perfect for Planted Aquariums
Description:
The German Blue Ram is one of the most popular dwarf cichlids in the aquarium hobby, admired for its striking electric blue coloration, golden body tones, and red eye accents. This peaceful species brings vibrant color and personality to community aquariums and is especially popular in planted and aquascaped tanks.
German Blue Rams thrive in well-maintained aquariums with stable water parameters and plenty of plant cover. They are social fish best kept in pairs or small groups and make excellent centerpiece fish for tanks 20 gallons or larger.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, semi-social
Size: Up to 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm)
Lifespan: 2–3 years
Diet: Omnivorous – accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and enjoys frozen/live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 78–85°F (25–29°C)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderate
Behavior & Compatibility:
German Blue Rams are peaceful dwarf cichlids that pair well with small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and other calm community fish. They are best kept in a well-planted tank with hiding spots, driftwood, and soft substrate. While they may become more territorial during breeding, they remain far less aggressive than larger cichlids.
