German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
| German Blue Ram Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | German Blue Ram |
| Name Lat. | Mikrogeophagus ramirezi |
| Synonym | Apistogramma ramirezi |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | South America |
| Habitat | Savanna floodplains |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-7 cm |
| Temperature | 22-30 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.8" |
| Temperature | 72-86 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the butterfly cichlids is the river system of the Orinoco in Colombia and Venezuela. They live in the waters of the vast savannas (llanos), where they prefer to stay in the shallow riparian zone with dense vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), subdued light (floating plants) and soft to medium hard water is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed on worms, insect larvae and small crustaceans, which are mainly taken from the bottom. The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia, mysis, tubifex and red mosquito larvae, which are also accepted without problems in frozen form, or a commercially available, frozen special food mix. Sinking, protein-rich dry food for cichlids (micropellets, granules) is also accepted without problems
Only as much should be fed as is eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance
Behaviour and compatibility
It is a peaceful cichlid that can be socialized well with other small and not too lively fish, but consistently defends its territory against conspecifics. They should be kept in pairs. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
In the male the second fin ray of the dorsal is very long, in the female this ray is shorter. The females are often smaller and at mating time their abdomen is colored red.
Reproduction and breeding
They are so-called "open breeders". The eggs are laid in a spawning pit created shortly beforehand or on a substrate (e.g. plant). The female performs the brood care, while the male defends the territory. After 3-5 days the fry hatch. They are then housed and guarded by the female in a bottom pit until they swim freely after 4-5 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
They are grown in numerous color morphs, such as gold, blue, neon, pearl, etc., as well as in veil forms.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF