Balloon Blue Ram 4cm

Balloon Blue Ram

Sometimes the art of selective breeding fish to gain desirable traits can unlock a surprise in fish genetics which is how the balloon electric blue ram came to be. Already the electric blue ram was a unique fish on this list with its genetic divergence from the common blue ram. However, the addition of the balloon-like body shape takes this fish one step further. These fish carry a genetic trait that leads to them having a more compact and rounded body than a standard elongated fish shape, this trait is often commonly called the “short body” or “balloon” gene. 

The balloon electric blue ram has at times received negative criticism from aquarium breeding purists who have the view that these short-body fish are destined for a poor life. However, under the right, educated and skilled care these fish can be a delight to keep. Rams in general are popularised due to their striking colours, their great personality, and their slight challenge to keep. Though electric blue rams are already considered to be a challenging fish due to their sensitive nature and high-temperature requirement the balloon blue ram should have extra care taken as mentioned before. Their compact body often leads to their digestive system being easily prone to blockage and bloating, which is why they should be fed in minimal quantities with the food they can easily process. 

These balloon electric blue rams will develop a wonderful powder blue colour that is very rarely seen occurring naturally in the aquarium hobby. They also have a dark green nape of their heads and blood-red eye rings which contrast amazingly against the blue.  The other benefit is the large fins that these fish carry which look great when displayed and catch light in the aquarium. 

The colours coupled with their bold personalities, these fish quickly win over so many aquarists. Their care is often regarded to be similar to the prized discus which is why electric blue rams and discus are often kept together. Balloon electric blue rams are regarded as a community fish as they are peaceful and remain fairly small at 7cm max. They are also bred fairly easily in captivity however differentiating males and females is slightly difficult as there are no direct distinguishing factors. The most common method to identify the gender is to get a pack of 4-6 rams and let them naturally pair off. 

Tank Recommendations for your Balloon Electric Blue Rams

Being a dwarf cichlid, balloon electric blue rams can be kept in smaller aquariums however the minimum would be around 60 liters. As always though a larger aquarium would be far better and making sure there is a decent floor space can avoid any territorial behavior that balloon electric blue rams may exhibit.

Sand or small grain gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as they do routinely sift through the substrate looking for food.  Balloon electric blue rams should be kept with others of their kind to make them feel comfortable and be more active in the aquarium, this may also even reduce aggression they could show to other fish. They are also soft water fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in PH as low as 6 which makes them a great planted aquarium species.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The balloon electric blue ram is a fairly peaceful fish that only may display aggression in territorial disputes however can be kept with a wide range of community fish. 

Usually Compatible

Discus, Angelfish, cardinal tetras, Corydoras, and other balloon ram strains. 

Sometimes Compatible

Larger peaceful South American cichlids such as Uaru, Severums however there is a high chance these fish may outcompete the rams. The balloon electric blue rams are mostly bottom-dwelling so fish that would not interfere with their feeding is recommended. 

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as Oscars may prey on the balloon blue rams.

Feeding your Ballon Electric  Blue Rams

During feeding is when the most care should be taken for this fish as they are easily susceptible to bloat and blockages. The rams will however take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. However, due to their compact nature, it is best to offer micro foods such as crushed pellets or flakes and food that is easily digestible. 

Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms in very small portions.