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The Blue Ram is also known as the Butterfly Cichlid. It should not be confused with Anomalochromis thomasi, the African Butterfly Cichlid. It is a social fish that will form pairs, which remain "faithful" to each other. The Blue Ram has an orange face, a red/yellow belly, and neon blue towards the back half of the body.
The Blue Ram requires a tank of 30 gallons, minimum. The tank should have several dense plant groups and plenty of open swimming space. The Blue Ram will also need a few caves in which to hide and stones on which to spawn. Being a peaceful fish, the Blue Ram makes a wonderful addition to the community tank, and is compatible with other peaceful fish.
The Blue Ram is an egg layer that prefers soft to medium hardness, neutral pH, and slightly raised water temperatures between 77-82°F. Peat should be added to the water. The female will lay up to 200 eggs on stones, and occasionally, in depressions. Both the male and female share the rearing of the fry, and it has been reported that they will take them into their mouths to protect them like a mouth brooder. Care should be taken so that the fry are not sucked into the filter.
The Blue Ram is an omnivore and will consume a wide variety of foods. Freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, flake food, and both frozen and live brine shrimp and worms will make excellent food for these fish.
Ideal tank mates include similar sized: Angelfish, Danios, Discus, Gouramis, Loaches, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Scavenger Catfish and Tetras.
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Name: Blue Ram (Microgeophagus ramirezi)
Family: Cichlidae Range: Northern South America: Venezuela, Columbia Size: Up to 3 inches Diet: Omnivore Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Plant groups, open swimming, hiding places Tank Conditions: 72-79°F; pH 5.0-7.0; dH 5-12 Minimum Tank Capacity: 30 gallons Light: Medium to low Temperament: Peaceful Swimming Level: Middle to bottom Care Level: Difficult Reproduction: Egg Layer |
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