General information - The Microgeophagus ramirezi or by its

common name "German Blue Ram" has become one of the most

popular dwarf cichlids all over the globe. It became so popular due

to its different cichlid behavior, unlike many other cichlid species,

ram cichlids are peaceful fish that can be successfully kept in a

community tank. At first it was described as an Apistogramma but

it quickly became obvious that it was very different from the fish of

that genus.This beautiful dwarf cichlid found in South America, but

the new rams in the market is now bred in Europe, Asia and America.

There is a golden variety to this species.   

Common Name - Ram cichlid, Blue Ram, German Blue Ram,

Ramirezi dwarf cichlid 

Scientific Name - Microgeophagus ramirezi (Ram cichlid)

Family – Cichlidae  

Origin – South America, Venezuela, Columbia

Photo by: Liad

First discovered - Meyers & Harry, 1948 

Nutrition – Omnivore, the Ram cichlid will accept pellets, flakes, and frozen food such as: bloodworms,

brine shrimp or mysis and from time to time it can be feed with live food.  

Behavior - Peaceful 

Maintenance and care – The ram cichlid requires 10-20 gallons as a minimum tank size. It should be

kept in a planted community tank decorated with some rocks, woods and other hiding places. The Blue

Ram should be kept with other peaceful fish such as: tetra, danios and livebearers.

Rams cichlids are not good beginner fish.   

Water Parameters - Temperature: 23C - 30C (73.4F - 86 F), PH: 5-7, DGH: 0-12 

Breeding - Many hobbyists have a hard time successfully breeding rams. To be accurate many people

have spawned the rams but few have successfully raised fry. In order to do this you should provide the

couple the right water parameters: 82F-84F, very soft and acid water (use r.o system) PH of 5.5 -6.

Another problem is that ram cichlids are not a good parents so find a good couple can be hard task.

Spawning can be induced by doing a water change with slightly cooler water (simulating rainy season).

Eggs will be laid overnight often on a flat surface and should hatch within 7 days.

The fry grow very slowly. Separating the parents from the fry is more then recommended otherwise they

will spawn again and will eat their own fry. Fry becoming free swimming in about four days.

The fry may take newly hatched brine shrimp or Cyclops, micro-worms will be ideal for fry.