Description
π Electric Blue Ram Cichlid (Normal Form)
π Basic Info
-
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
-
Family: Cichlidae
-
Origin: South America (Orinoco River Basin)
-
Size: 2.5 β 3 inches (6 β 7.5 cm)
-
Lifespan: 3 β 4 years
-
Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
π Water Parameters
-
TDS: 80 β 150 ppm
-
pH: 5.5 β 7.0 (slightly acidic)
-
Temperature: 26 β 30Β°C (79 β 86Β°F)
-
Hardness: 2 β 8 dGH
π Characteristics
-
Brilliant electric blue body with shimmering scales.
-
Peaceful, social, and active β good centerpiece fish.
-
Males are slightly larger and slimmer; females are rounder with a pink belly.
-
Sensitive to water changes β need stable, clean water.
π½οΈ Food
-
Type: Omnivorous
-
Diet: High-quality micro pellets, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).
-
Feeding: Small portions 2 times daily.
π οΈ Maintenance
-
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.
-
Filtration: Gentle but efficient β they dislike strong currents.
-
Decor: Plants, driftwood, rocks, and caves for hiding.
-
Water Change: 25β30% weekly, stable parameters are key.
π₯ Social Behavior
-
Minimum Group Size: Best kept as a pair or small group (4β6).
-
Tank Mates: Peaceful small fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf gouramis.
-
Avoid: Large/aggressive fish (Oscars, Green Terror, etc.).
β Doβs
-
Keep them in stable, warm, clean water.
-
Provide hiding spots and plants.
-
Pair them with calm, non-aggressive tank mates.
β Donβts
-
Donβt keep with aggressive or very large fish.
-
Donβt expose to rapid water changes.
-
Donβt overcrowd the tank β they get stressed.
β Quick Tips
-
Electric Blue Rams are peaceful dwarf cichlids and great for community tanks.
-
Best suited for aquarists who can maintain stable water conditions.
-
A healthy pair can even breed in the right setup.