Microgeophagus Ramirezi

[!Gina]

I'm looking into getting some dwarf cichlids for my aquarium, I've seen a few pictures of these species and heard mixed things:

Can anyone give me a little more information about them? Colour variations? Potential size? Minimum group size required?

I'm basically looking for a playful, visually striking fish that'll make a nice addition to my aquarium. Any thoughts or website links i'd be most grateful for.

 

[Seb R]

Hey, its worth getting them, they're nice fish. Depending on origin some will never grow bigger than 1.5 inches, although some can be a 2 or more. Your most likely to get the same kind of colours that the fish has in the picture. Its probably best to get a pair of them as they are monogamous, If you are putting them in a jewel rekord 96 you porbably have more but a personally I'd just get one pair, as they can fight.

They are definatly very playful and happy when thye are with a partner, but you would have to try to buy a pair that has already bonded in a group. Good luck if you decide to get some.

 

[!Gina]

Thanks for the advice, I really like the look of them and i would be thinking of adding a pair to my 96L, I think they should be compatible with my other fish and i usually buy from Trimar as the fish are always good quality.

 

[AndyTaylor]

Thanks for the advice, I really like the look of them and i would be thinking of adding a pair to my 96L, I think they should be compatible with my other fish and i usually buy from Trimar as the fish are always good quality.

Hold up there a sec! Blue rams are very sensitive to water conditions and need at least 10 Gals each to thrive.
It's not easy to get a pair as females can be hard to find and they won't neccessarily pair up even if you do.
The usual way is to introduce 1 male and 3/4 females, wait for 2 to pair up and remove the others.
Search for Blue Rams on here and read everything before you do anything else. You may not have enough room for these lovely fish. I've had 5 so far so if nothing else I know how easy it is to kill them. They're also very hard to sex and 2 males in the same tank is a very bad idea.
Research, research, research.

Andy

 

[!Gina]

I agree with you, i always research my fish before purchasing. Hense why, i came here to ask for advice. Since i didnt get much response, i've done further reading elsewhere and im confident i've found the right cichlid for my tank, im told i can have a pair of mikrogeophagus Ramirezi (commonly known as the German Blue Ram), they generally grow to around 4" and as the females are slightly smaller a male and female would be ideal. They like lots of caves and plants, which my tank can offer.

Of course, i've got more reading to do, but for now, its looking good. (i've also considered ph, water hardness etc)