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fishintermediate
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
A jewel of a dwarf cichlid — electric blue and gold, intelligent eyes, and a real personality if you keep their water warm and clean.
2–3 in4–6 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal minimum · pairs
Temperature
78–85°F
Humidity / Water
Freshwater · pH 5.5–7.0, soft
Heating & lighting
Warm, mature tank: 78–85°F with a gentle heater. They hate ammonia and swings — stability matters more than exact numbers.
Diet
Feed these
- Micro pellets
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Bloodworms
- Baby brine shrimp
Never feed
- Immature tanks (they need pristine, stable water)
- Tiger barbs
- Cold water below 76°F
Small feedings twice a day with frozen treats. They dig in sand for food — fine sand substrate keeps their faces healthy.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Rummynose tetras Neon tetras Corydoras catfish German blue rams — bonded pairs Harlequin rasboras
Never house with
Betta — both territorial, usually avoided together Tiger barbs Goldfish
Best as a bonded pair in a planted tank with calm mid-water schoolers. Two males fight; single males sulk.
