Electric Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) Bred in SA

The Electric Blue Ram is a dazzling freshwater fish prized for its iridescent blue coloration and peaceful temperament. A selectively bred variant of the German Blue Ram, this cichlid originates from South America, specifically the Orinoco River Basin. Its small size, vibrant appearance, and compatibility with other peaceful species make it a popular choice for community aquariums.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi inhabits warm, slow-moving streams, floodplains, and lagoons with sandy substrates, abundant vegetation, and warm, soft, slightly acidic water.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 liters for a pair; larger tanks are recommended for community setups.
• Water Temperature: 25–30°C.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.0.
• Water Hardness: 2–10 dGH (soft water).
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow with efficient filtration; avoid strong currents.

Aquascaping

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal.
• Decor: Add driftwood, smooth rocks, and caves to provide hiding spots and mimic their natural environment.
• Plants: Include live plants such as Amazon Swords, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, or floating plants for shaded areas.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their vibrant blue coloration.

Tank Mates

• Electric Blue Rams are peaceful and ideal for community tanks. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and dwarf gouramis.
  • Bottom-dwellers like Corydoras or kuhli loaches.
  • Avoid large, aggressive, or overly active fish that may stress them.

Feeding

Electric Blue Rams are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality micro-pellets or flakes designed for cichlids.
• Protein: Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Vegetable Matter: Occasionally offer blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods.
  Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding Electric Blue Rams is a rewarding challenge that requires specific conditions and patience.

Sexing

• Males: Slightly larger with more elongated dorsal fins.
• Females: Often have a rounder body and a pinkish hue on their bellies when ready to breed.

Breeding Tank Setup

• Use a dedicated breeding tank of 20–40 liters with stable conditions:
  • Temperature: 28–30°C.
  • pH: 6.0–6.5.
• Include flat surfaces such as rocks or broad-leaf plants for spawning.

Spawning Process

1. Condition the pair with a high-protein diet.
2. The female lays eggs on a flat surface, which the male fertilizes.
3. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, though some selectively bred individuals may lack strong parental instincts.
4. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming within a week.

Fry Care

• Feed fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food initially.
• Gradually transition to baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes as they grow.

Key Notes

• Behavior: While generally peaceful, Electric Blue Rams may become territorial during breeding. Provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce aggression.
• Water Quality: Sensitive to poor water conditions; maintain pristine water with frequent changes and proper filtration.
• Health: Watch for stress-related illnesses like ich or bacterial infections; soft, clean water and a varied diet are essential to their health.

The Electric Blue Ram is a visually stunning and peaceful cichlid that brings vibrant color and activity to small or medium-sized aquariums. Its manageable size, social nature, and ease of care make it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a standout fish for community setups.