German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Also sold as GBR · Ramirezi · Ramirez's dwarf cichlid
Synonyms Ram cichlid · Blue ram · Balloon ram · Microgeophagus ramirezi · Papiliochromis ramirezi · Butterfly cichlid
German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 6 cm (2.4 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 79–86°F (26–30°C) and pH 5.5–7, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 60 L (16 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 79–86°F (26–30°C) |
| pH | 5.5–7 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 1–8 |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Color forms · Same species, different color. Care is the same for all of them.
Before it goes in
- German Blue Ram needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 79–86°F (26–30°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Crystal Red Shrimp.
- It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
German Blue Ram: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
79–86°F (26–30°C), pH 5.5–7, GH 1–8.
How long does it live?
2–4 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| German Blue Ram | Bolivian Ram | Pacific Blue-eye | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm | 8 cm | 7 cm |
| Min tank | 60 L | 75 L | 54 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 79–86°F (26–30°C) | 73–81°F (23–27°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Shrimplets only |