Black-Blue Ram 3.5cm

Ramirezi Blue-Black Ram

One of the world's most popular dwarf cichlid the blue ram is one of the most striking fish in the aquarium industry. It has a wide array of striking and bold colours, a great personality along with the perfect size for those keeping smaller aquariums. Because of these reasons and their slight challenge to keep, they are a highly demanded fish globally. Originating from South America the common blue rams will develop a rainbow of colours through their body. However, these black blue rams are especially special because they have higher levels of melanin in their pigment which gives them a dark black colour. This makes them extremely contrasting against their environment but also amazingly against sting the other metallic blues and reds on their body.

The other interesting thing about the blue-black rams is that they have been a fairly recent genetic variant made of the common blue ram which means there is a lot of room to play around with the breeding and genes of these fish. Some individuals have been seen with a totally jet-black colour which is a true sight to see. When adult size they will have a range of oranges, yellows, reds, pinks and purples like most rams but their characterising black is commonly seen from their face to their tail fin only leaving the abdomen and cheek area.

Coupled with their bold personalities these fish quickly win over so many aquarists. Blue-black rams however are considered to be slightly sensitive fish as they do require stable and clean water parameters as well as a slightly higher temperature when compared to most community fish. Their care is often regarded to be similar to the prized discus which is why blue rams and discus are often kept together. Blue-black rams are regarded as a community fish as they are peaceful and remain fairly small at 7cm max. They are also bred fairly easy in captivity and differentiating males and females are possible where the male's body is more elongated than that of a female, the male's dorsal fin ends in more of a point. However, the best method to identify is to get a pack of 4-6 rams and let them naturally pair off. 

Tank Recommendations for your Blue-black Rams

Being a dwarf cichlid, blue rams can be kept in smaller aquariums however the minimum would be around 60 litres (20 gallons). as always though a larger aquarium would be far better and making sure there is a decent floor space can avoid any territorial behaviour that blue rams may exhibit.  stable. Sand or small grain gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as they do routinely sift through the sand for food and make breeding pits in the substrate as well. Blue-black rams would 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. The aquascape for these fish should be densely planted with bright green or red plants which will really make them pop and make them the stars of the scape.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The blue-black 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 rams

Sometimes Compatible

Larger peaceful South American cichlids such as Uaru, Severums and other fish may out-compete them as they are mostly bottom-dwelling fish. They may also eat extremely nano fish such as endlers. 

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Blue-Black Rams

Blue Black rams are very easy to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes and frozen foods. 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.