German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Also known as: Blue ram, Ram cichlid, Butterfly cichlid
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 3.5-4.0 cm (1.35-1.5 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 75 litres (20 gallons)
- Lifespan: 2–4 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle-and-bottom
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: intermediate
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 26–30°C
- pH: 4–7
- Hardness (GH): 18–179 ppm (1–10 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
An exceptionally beautiful small cichlid often dismissed by beginners because of cichlid reputation. German blue rams are functionally a peaceful community fish with stunning colouration: iridescent blue body, golden head, red eyes, and dramatic finnage. The catch is that they're genuinely demanding to keep long-term: warm tropical water (28°C+), soft slightly acidic conditions, and very stable parameters. Hardier varieties exist (Bolivian rams, electric blue rams, gold rams) for keepers with harder water. Shorter lifespan than most cichlids: 2-4 years is normal even with excellent care. An intermediate fish, not a beginner one, but worth the effort once you have the conditions right. Those stable conditions include a low carbonate hardness (KH): a low KH is essential for breeding, as eggs fungus and fail in hard, high-KH water.
Tankmates
Among the most peaceful cichlids in the hobby: genuinely compatible with most community species, contrary to the reputation cichlids carry. Best kept as a single male, a bonded pair, or a male with a female (avoid two males in tanks under 200L). Despite their peaceful nature, they require warmer water than typical community fish: 28°C is the comfortable midpoint, which is too warm for cool-water species like white cloud minnows. Soft, slightly acidic water is essential for long-term health.
Compatible with
- Neon Tetra
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Bronze Corydoras
- Ember Tetra
- Amano Shrimp
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Discus
- Sterbai Corydoras
- Red Phantom Tetra
- Black Phantom Tetra
Avoid keeping with
- Betta
- Other Rams
- Cichlid Aggressors
- Fin Nippers
- Cool Water Species
- Bolivian Ram
Common Problems
- sensitivity to parameter swings, particularly temperature drops
- shortened lifespan in hard alkaline water
- stress from cichlid aggression by larger species
- ich at lower temperatures
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-18