Description
🐟 Balloon German Blue Ram Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
-
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (Balloon variety)
-
Family: Cichlidae
-
Origin: Captive-bred (original species from South America – Orinoco & Amazon basins)
-
Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)
-
Lifespan: 2 – 3 years (slightly shorter than normal rams)
-
Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
-
TDS: 80 – 120 ppm
-
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
-
Temperature: 26 – 30°C (79 – 86°F)
-
Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
-
A selectively bred, short-bodied (balloon-shaped) variety of the German Blue Ram.
-
Bright blue iridescence with yellow, red, and black markings.
-
Peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding.
-
More delicate than normal rams – needs stable, clean water.
🍽️ Food
-
Type: Omnivorous
-
Diet: High-quality micro cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), and some vegetables (blanched spinach, peas).
-
Feeding: Small portions 2–3 times daily. Avoid overfeeding.
🛠️ Maintenance
-
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.
-
Filtration: Gentle but efficient – they dislike strong currents.
-
Decor: Plants, driftwood, caves, and fine sand substrate (they like to sift sand).
-
Water Change: 25–30% weekly – very sensitive to dirty water.
👥 Social Behavior
-
Minimum Group Size: Best kept as a pair or in a small group (avoid too many males).
-
Tank Mates: Peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, discus, and dwarf gouramis.
-
Avoid: Large aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, or fast boisterous fish.
✅ Do’s
-
Keep in warm, soft, and stable water.
-
Provide hiding spots and live plants.
-
Feed a varied diet with both protein and veggies.
❌ Don’ts
-
Don’t keep with aggressive or very large fish.
-
Don’t place in unstable or dirty tanks – they fall sick easily.
-
Don’t overcrowd – stress shortens their lifespan.
⭐ Quick Tips
-
Balloon German Blue Rams are delicate but very colorful centerpiece fish.
-
Ideal for peaceful community aquariums with stable water.
-
Great choice for aquarists who enjoy smaller, vibrant cichlids.
