Blue Ram 3.5cm

Blue 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 colors, a great personality along 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 blue rams will develop a rainbow of colors through their body. When adult size they will have a range of oranges, yellows, reds, pinks, purples, whites, blacks, and as their name suggests a metallic blue sheen and star-like patterning which makes them an absolute spotlight in the aquarium. Their colors work in such a way that it is both a perfect blend yet an eye-catching contrast. Coupled with their bold personalities these fish quickly win over so many aquarists. Blue 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 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 and differentiating males and females is 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 Rams

Being a dwarf cichlid, blue rams can be kept in smaller aquariums however the minimum would be around 60 Liters (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 behavior 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 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.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The 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 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 Rams

Blue 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.