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Dark Ram

Price

$20.00

The Dark Ram is a selectively bred variety of the Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), known for its striking dark coloration and peaceful temperament compared to other cichlids.

 

Key Characteristics:

  • Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
  • Common Name: Dark Ram,
  • Coloration: Deep charcoal body with iridescent blue accents on the fins and body; juveniles may start lighter and darken with maturity.
  • Size: Typically grows to about 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm)
  • Temperament: Peaceful, especially for a cichlid; best kept with other non-aggressive fish

 

Tank Requirements:

  • Temperature: 78–85°F (25.5–29.5°C)
  • pH: 5.5–7.0
  • Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair
  • Diet: Omnivorous—accepts flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods
  • Lifespan: Around 2–3 years with proper care

 

Notes:

  • Dark Rams are sensitive to water quality and require stable, clean conditions.
  • They are often kept in planted aquariums to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress.
  • Breeding them can be more challenging than standard Rams due to their hybridization and potential infertility in some lines.

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Quantity

Care Guide

Tank Requirements

  • Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair
  • Water Temperature: 78°F to 85°F (25.5°C to 29°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0–7.5 (prefers slightly acidic)
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–12 dGH)
  • Filtration: Strong biological filtration but with a gentle current
  • Aquascaping: Sand or fine substrate, with plenty of hiding places (plants, caves, driftwood)

 

Water Quality

  • German Blue Rams are very sensitive to poor water quality!
  • Maintain:
  • Ammonia and nitrites: 0 ppm
  • Nitrates: Below 20 ppm
  • Weekly 30–50% water changes are crucial.

 

Feeding

  • Diet: Omnivorous — thrives on a varied, high-protein diet
  • Good foods include:
  • Daphnia, brine shrimp
  • High-quality micro pellets for cichlids
  • Occasional vegetable matter like spirulina flakes
  • Feed 2–3 small meals a day.

 

Tankmates

  • Best kept with peaceful community fish that enjoy warm, soft water:
  • Cardinal tetras
  • Rummy nose tetras
  • Corydoras catfish (warm-tolerant varieties)
  • Hatchetfish
  • Plecos (small species like bristlenose)
  • Avoid: Fin-nippers, aggressive fish, and large, boisterous tankmates.

 

Breeding

  • Rams form monogamous pairs.
  • They lay eggs on flat surfaces (like rocks or broad leaves).
  • Both parents tend the eggs and fry.
  • Breeding is best in separate tanks with slightly warmer water (around 82°F or 28°C) and very clean conditions.

 

Common Challenges

  • Stress: A major cause of health problems; needs calm environments.
  • Short lifespan: Even under the best care, 3–5 years is typical.
  • Disease sensitivity: Prone to ich, parasites, and bacterial infections if water parameters fluctuate.

 

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Bonus Tips for Happy German Blue Rams

  • Provide lots of hiding spots — driftwood, caves, or dense plants.
  • Keep their tank mates peaceful and calm — loud or nippy fish stress them out.
  • Soft, warm water is key — if your tap water is hard, you might need RO (reverse osmosis) water.
  • Watch their behavior — a healthy Ram will be curious, colorful, and actively exploring.

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