Species profile
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Peaceful
Hard care
70 L minimum aquarium
4–7 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Warm-water selectively bred colour form of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. It needs mature, biologically stable water and should not be treated as a routine beginner community fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–30 °C
pH
5–7
GH
1–8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Generally peaceful outside breeding. Compatible pairs defend a small spawning territory; avoid boisterous feeders and fish that prefer substantially cooler water.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Alternative names
Blue Ram, German Blue Ram Cichlid, Ram Cichlid
Native range
The parent species is native to the Orinoco llanos of Venezuela and Colombia; the German Blue form is captive-selected.
Natural habitat
Parent species inhabits warm, slow shallow waters with soft substrate, vegetation and organic cover. Keep the aquarium warm, calm and very clean.
Diet & feeding
Offer small high-quality pellets plus varied frozen/live invertebrates. Several small feeds are preferable to large meals where water quality can be maintained.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are usually larger with longer anterior dorsal rays; females often show a pink/red abdomen and blue spangling within the dark flank spot.
Breeding
Biparental open-substrate spawner. A pair cleans a flat surface, guards eggs and subsequently tends fry; captive strains vary in parental reliability.