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Maximum size : 10 cm
Electric Blue Ram Cichlid - Mikrogeophagus ramirezi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
The captivating beauty of the Electric Blue Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) has made it a popular choice among Cichlid enthusiasts. Despite being a bit more challenging to care for than its ancestors, its striking electric blue body and orange shading make it a worthwhile addition to any aquarium. While not recommended for beginners, experienced aquarists will enjoy the unique care requirements of the Electric Blue Ram. It is essential to avoid housing them with other Dwarf Cichlids to prevent aggressive behaviour. These Rams should be kept in peaceful community settings with slow-moving, small, and docile tankmates. While they can be kept in small groups, specific fish may pair off and become territorial during breeding. Therefore, it is best to keep them in pairs. Tank-bred for their vibrant colouration, the Electric Blue Ram has a neon blue body with orange shading and neon blue fins. However, they still have the signature red eyes of their Ram Cichlid ancestors. A balanced diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods will keep these beauties healthy and thriving in your aquarium.Electric Blue Ram Cichlid Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Electric Blue Rams is a straightforward task. Female specimens of this species possess a smaller body size and exhibit more pronounced pink pigmentation on their ventral regions. Moreover, the anterior portion of their dorsal fin rays is comparatively underdeveloped. In contrast, males display a larger anal and dorsal fin, and their tail fin is more sharply edged. Additionally, male Electric Blue Rams possess an evident second ray in their dorsal fin. In terms of body shape, females typically present a plumper and more rounded tailfin compared to their male counterparts.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Mikrogeophagus ramirezi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2009 |
| Other Names | Butterfly Cichlid, German Blue Ram, Ramirez's Dwarf Cichlid, Dwarf Butterfly Cichlid, |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Mikrogeophagus |
| Origins | Colombia Venezuela |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 4 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 5.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| KH | |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| ℉ | 78 - 85 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 25.6 - 29.4 |
Natural habitat
The Electric Blue Ram Cichlid is a fascinating species that originates from the Orinoco River Basin. These stunning fish can be found swimming in slow-flowing, warm waters that range from dark tea-colored and stained with tannins to crystal clear. They prefer habitats that are abundant in submerged vegetation or aquatic plants, which offer plenty of hiding spots and provide ample opportunities for foraging. To create a natural and suitable habitat for these fish in your aquarium, it's best to replicate their wild ancestors' environment. This means incorporating plenty of aquatic plants and other natural elements that will help create a natural and healthy setting for these beautiful fish. By doing so, you'll not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium, but you'll also promote the overall health and well-being of your Electric Blue Ram Cichlids.How to breed the Electric Blue Ram Cichlid
Breeding Electric Blue Rams is a relatively straightforward process that requires some attention to water conditions and the provision of breeding sites. The initial few attempts may not be successful, as the parents need to learn the necessary skills to become effective caregivers. However, once they have mastered it, Electric Blue Rams can spawn once a month without any difficulties. These fish typically reach sexual maturity between four to six months old. To encourage breeding, it is best to provide soft water and slightly increase the temperature. It may also be helpful to use a timer for the aquarium lights to maintain consistent day and night patterns. Flat stones make excellent breeding sites, although some pairs may prefer to dig small pits in the gravel. It is crucial to ensure the aquarium has plenty of hiding spots and natural boundaries to accommodate the increased aggression that occurs during breeding. When the female is ready to spawn, her red patch will become more vivid, and the pair will start nudging each other or sliding against each other's body. The female will attach small adhesive eggs on flat stones or in the small pits, laying up to 300 eggs. The parents will co-parent their brood, looking after and defending their territory. They will also employ fresh water over the eggs to prevent attacks from bacteria and fungi and consume any unfertile eggs. After hatching, the fry will become free-swimming five days later, and the parents will care for them, taking turns to accompany them as they forage for food. Initially, providing the fry with infusoria-type foods and crushed flake foods will help them grow, gradually introducing small live foods as they mature.Diet & feeding
Electric Blue Rams are known to be omnivores, and like their wild ancestors, they have a broad range of dietary requirements. In the home aquarium, it is recommended to provide these fish with a balanced and varied diet. This can include high-quality dried flakes, pellets, and granules as well as live and frozen fare such as mosquito larvae, earthworms, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and artemia. To keep the diet balanced, you should also incorporate some vegetables and plants. To maintain the water quality in the aquarium, it is recommended to feed the Electric Blue Rams several small helpings throughout the day rather than feeding them a large amount once a day. This feeding regimen will also ensure that the fish receive the proper nutrition and thrive in their environment.Other Cichlids you maybe interested in
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