Ramirezi Black Balloon 4cm

Ramirezi Black Balloon

German Blue Rams have been selectively bred into an incredible range of colour and body variations, but the Black Balloon Ramirezi has to be one of the most unusual. This variety combines the shortened, rounded body of a Balloon Ram with dramatically increased dark pigmentation, producing a fish that looks completely different from the traditional blue and yellow Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. Despite its unusual appearance, it retains the personality, pair-forming behaviour and brilliant metallic highlights that make Rams such popular dwarf cichlids.

The Black Balloon Ramirezi develops a compact, deep body with a charcoal to almost jet-black base colour. Depending on the individual and aquarium lighting, metallic blue, turquoise and violet scales can shine through the darker pigmentation, particularly around the face, flanks and fins. The eyes often provide a fantastic contrast against the body, displaying warm red to orange colouration. The Balloon trait creates a noticeably shorter and deeper profile than a standard Ramirezi, making the dorsal and anal fins appear proportionally larger. As the fish turns beneath aquarium lighting, the body can change from almost completely black to displaying scattered electric-blue highlights. Green plants, pale sand and lighter timber provide an excellent contrast and prevent the darker fish from disappearing into the background.

Sexing Black Balloon Ramirezi becomes easier once the fish mature. Males generally develop longer extensions through the dorsal fin and can become slightly larger, whilst mature females usually develop a fuller abdomen and may display pink to reddish colouration around the belly. Once a compatible pair forms, they become substrate spawners, cleaning a flat rock, broad leaf or shallow depression before depositing their eggs. Both parents participate in guarding the eggs and fry, although inexperienced pairs may require several attempts before successfully raising young.

Tank Recommendations for Your Ramirezi Black Balloon

Black Balloon Ramirezi remain relatively small; however, stable water quality is considerably more important than simply providing a large aquarium. A minimum aquarium size of around 60 litres is recommended for a compatible pair.

Fine sand, smooth rocks, driftwood and dense planted areas create an excellent environment whilst still leaving open sections along the bottom. These fish prefer warm water and are sensitive to deteriorating water quality, making a mature aquarium, good filtration and regular water changes particularly important. Excessively strong current should be avoided.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Black Balloon Ramirezi are relatively peaceful dwarf cichlids and work extremely well in warm community aquariums.

Usually Compatible

Cardinal tetras, rummynose tetras, peaceful rasboras, Corydoras capable of tolerating warmer temperatures, bristlenose catfish and other small, peaceful community species.

Sometimes Compatible

Discus, angelfish, Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids can work in larger aquariums, although territorial behaviour may increase considerably when a pair begins breeding.

Rarely Compatible

Tiger Barbs, large, aggressive cichlids, highly boisterous species and fish requiring substantially cooler water should generally be avoided. Slow Balloon Rams can also struggle when forced to compete with extremely fast feeders.

Feeding Your Ramirezi Black Balloon

Black Balloon Ramirezi are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet containing plenty of small, protein-rich foods. A quality slow-sinking micro pellet makes an excellent staple and can be supplemented with frozen bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Smaller meals are preferable to large feeds and will help maintain excellent body condition.