German Ram XL

fish description – German Ram Cichlid Care Guide ($Mikrogeophagusramirezi$)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A small, ovoid-shaped cichlid that is a riot of color, featuring a yellow base, an iridescent blue-spangled body, a distinct black spot with blue spangles, and prominent red-rimmed eyes. They are often seen sifting sand or hovering over a spawning site.
• Coloration: Males are larger, have more extended rays in their dorsal and anal fins, and display the most vivid coloration. Females are smaller and rounder, often showing a pink or red blush on the belly when ready to spawn, and have pronounced blue spangling around the mid-lateral black spot.
• Fins: The male’s fins, particularly the dorsal and caudal fins, have a more pointed edge.
• Behavior: Highly intelligent and interactive, they are generally peaceful but become intensely territorial when defending a spawning site. They are monogamous and exhibit strong parental care. They are known to sift sand through their gills while foraging.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) is the minimum for a single pair. 30–40 gallons is recommended for a pair in a community tank to ensure ample territory and water stability.
• Schooling: Best kept as a mated pair. They should be allowed to form pairs naturally.
• Temperature: High Tropical range: 78∘–85∘F (25.5∘–29.5∘C). Maintaining high, stable warmth is crucial for their immune system.
• pH Level: Soft, acidic water is preferred: 5.0 to 7.0. They are extremely sensitive to nitrates and require soft water (dGH 3–10) to thrive and breed successfully.
• Aquascape: Requires a fine, sandy substrate for sifting. Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places (caves, driftwood, flowerpots) and flat surfaces (rocks/slate) for spawning. Dim lighting, achieved with floating plants or dense cover, helps reduce stress. Filtration should be efficient but produce a gentle water flow.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The German Ram is an omnivore with a preference for meaty, high-protein foods.

• Staple Diet: High-quality small cichlid pellets or flake food that is small enough for their mouths.
• Supplementation: A varied, protein-rich diet is essential for color and health. Offer live or frozen foods such as Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and Blackworms. They also benefit from occasional vegetable matter (e.g., blanched zucchini).
• Schedule: Feed small portions twice daily. Due to their sensitivity to organic waste, ensure all food is consumed within a few minutes.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Highly sensitive to stress from poor water quality or aggressive tank mates. Avoid active or boisterous fish that might outcompete them for food or bully them. Shrimp and snails may be consumed, especially when the Rams are breeding.
• Good Tank Mates: Other peaceful, calm, and small South American fish that occupy the mid-to-upper water column. Examples include Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Pencilfish, Dwarf Gouramis, and peaceful Corydoras catfish.