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A shimmering jewel of the freshwater world, the German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a small, peaceful dwarf cichlid admired for its brilliant electric blues, golden tones, and ruby-red eyes. Bred locally right here in Tasmania, these stunning specimens are not only beautifully coloured but also well-adjusted to Australian tank conditions—making them a fantastic centrepiece for any peaceful community aquarium.
Species: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Common Names: German Blue Ram, Blue Ram, Ram Cichlid
Origin: Originally native to the Orinoco River Basin, Venezuela and Colombia; this strain is captive-bred in Tasmania
Light Requirements: Moderate – colours intensify under quality lighting
Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys high-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
Maximum Size: 5–7 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, especially for a cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Aquarium Setup:
German Blue Rams prefer planted aquariums of at least 70 litres, with soft, slightly acidic water and plenty of structure for hiding—think driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter. A sandy substrate is ideal, as they like to sift through it while foraging. While peaceful, they are best kept in pairs or small harems and should be housed with other calm, non-fin-nipping species. Ensure stable water quality and gentle flow for long-term success.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 26–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.0
Hardness: 3–8 dGH
Growth and Maintenance:
Locally bred Rams tend to be hardier and better acclimated to Australian water conditions than imported counterparts. With proper care, these fish develop vibrant colours and graceful finnage. Keep tank mates small and peaceful to reduce stress. Perform regular water changes and maintain stable conditions—German Blues are sensitive to sudden shifts.
Care Tips:
✔ Keep in stable, warm, soft water with minimal fluctuations
✔ Provide cover with plants and driftwood to reduce stress
✔ Feed a varied, high-quality diet for colour and health
✔ Best kept as a bonded pair or trio in a peaceful tank
✔ Avoid strong filtration that causes excessive current
Compatibility:
Great for peaceful community tanks with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small loaches, and other dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or overly active species. Can be shy when first introduced but become confident with time.
Availability:
These Tasmanian-bred German Blue Rams are raised in local, temperature-stable systems and are well-adapted to Australian conditions—offering greater resilience, reduced shipping stress, and improved long-term health.
Disclaimer:
"As a selectively bred ornamental species, colour intensity may vary slightly depending on lighting, diet, and tank conditions. Not recommended for unstable or uncycled tanks."