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Origin: South America, Venezuela, Columbia
Temperature: 72-79F
PH: 5.0 - 7.0
Maximum Size: 3 inches
Temperament: Peaceful community fish
The German Blue Ram is one of the most popular dwarf cichlids in aquariums. Often confused with its cousin the Bolivian
Ram (Microgeophagus Altispinosa), this fish is a little smaller and is also more difficult to acclimate and breed. The German
Blue Ram, is a social fish that will form pairs and often remains "faithful" to each other. German Blue Rams have
an orange face, a red/yellow belly, and neon blue towards the back half of the body.
The German Blue Ram requires a tank of 20 gallons, minimum. The tank should have several dense plant groups and plenty
of open swimming space. The German Blue Ram will also need a few caves in which to hide in and stones to spawn on. Being a
peaceful fish, the German Blue Ram makes a wonderful addition to the community tank, and is compatible with other peaceful
fish.
The German Blue Ram is an egg layer that prefers soft to medium hardness, neutral pH and slightly raised water temperatures
(77-82°F during breeding). Peat should be added to the water. The female will lay up to 200 eggs on stones and occasionally,
in depressions. Both the male and female share the rearing of the fry, and it has been reported that they will take them into
their mouths to protect them like a mouth brooder. Care should be taken so that the fry are not sucked into the filter.
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