💙 German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

The German Blue Ram is arguably the most beautiful dwarf cichlid in the hobby. With their electric blue iridescence, red eyes, and yellow-gold body, rams are stunning centerpiece fish. However, they're sensitive to water quality and temperature, making them better suited for experienced keepers.

📋 Quick Facts

🌟 Color Varieties

• German Blue - Classic, most popular
• Electric Blue - Enhanced blue coloring
• Gold Ram - Yellow/gold body
• Balloon Ram - Rounded body shape
• Long-fin varieties - Extended finnage

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Need HIGH temperatures - 82-86°F is ideal
• Extremely sensitive - Poor water quality kills quickly
• Short lifespan - Often due to poor breeding/care
• Inbreeding issues - Source from quality breeders
• Not beginner fish - Despite small size

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum for pair
• Temperature: CRITICAL - must be 82-86°F
• Substrate: Fine sand for sifting behavior
• Plants: Heavily planted preferred
• Hiding spots: Caves, driftwood essential

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Omnivores with carnivorous preferences.

• High-quality cichlid pellets - Small size
• Frozen bloodworms - Favorite
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Live foods - Excellent conditioning
• Frozen daphnia

Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts. Variety is important.

🐟 Compatibility

Good Tankmates

• Cardinal tetras
• Rummy-nose tetras
• Corydoras (same temp tolerant species)
• Pencilfish
• Hatchetfish
• Other peaceful fish tolerating high temps

Avoid

• Cold water fish - Different temp needs
• Aggressive cichlids
• Fin nippers
• Large fish
• Boisterous tankmates - Stress them

♂️♀️ Sexing & Pairing

• Males: Extended dorsal rays, more colorful, pointed fins
• Females: Pink belly when breeding-ready, rounder
• Pairs bond strongly
• May fight if not bonded
• Let them choose partners - Buy group, let pair form

🏥 Health Concerns

• Temperature drops - Often fatal
• Ich - Common if stressed
• Hole-in-head disease
• Internal parasites - Quarantine and treat new fish

💡 Tips for Success

• Maintain HIGH stable temperature (82-86°F)
• Keep water pristine - frequent small water changes
• Source from reputable breeders
• Quarantine new arrivals
• Provide sand substrate for natural behavior
• Don't keep with fish requiring cooler temps

📚 Summary

German Blue Rams are stunning dwarf cichlids that reward dedicated keepers with incredible beauty and interesting behavior. Their need for high temperatures and pristine water makes them challenging, but experienced aquarists who can meet their needs will enjoy one of the most beautiful freshwater fish available.