Description
Balloon Electric Blue Ram Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (Balloon Electric Blue variety)
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Family: Cichlidae
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Origin: Captive-bred (selective breeding, not wild)
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Size: 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7 cm)
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Lifespan: 2 – 3 years (shorter due to balloon body)
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Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 80 – 120 ppm
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pH: 6.0 – 7.2
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Temperature: 26 – 30°C (79 – 86°F)
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Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Striking electric blue shimmering body with a short, rounded “balloon” shape.
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Smaller and more delicate than standard rams.
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Peaceful, social, and best in a calm tank.
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Sensitive to poor water quality – needs stable parameters.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: High-quality micro pellets, frozen/live brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and blanched veggies.
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Feeding: 2–3 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.
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Filtration: Gentle but efficient – clean water is critical.
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Decor: Plants, driftwood, caves for hiding.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Keep as a pair or small group (2–4).
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Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like tetras, corydoras, guppies, mollies.
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Avoid: Aggressive cichlids or fin-nippers.
✅ Do’s
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Keep them in warm, stable, clean water.
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Provide hiding spots and live plants.
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Feed a varied, protein-rich diet.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep with aggressive or large predatory fish.
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Don’t expose to sudden water parameter changes.
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Don’t overcrowd – they stress easily.
⭐ Quick Tips
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A stunning centerpiece for small aquariums.
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Needs extra care compared to normal Rams.
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Perfect for peaceful, planted community tanks.
