German Blue Ram
The German blue ram was bred in Germany a generation ago to provide a more colorful and hardier ram for the aquarium trade. Ram is short for the species name “ramirezi”, but it is also reminiscent of their tendency to butt heads like a terrestrial ram. These are beautiful fish whether captive-bred for color, such as German blue rams, or wild, such as Bolivian rams. They are peaceful, hardy and get along with other community species (except colorful fancy shrimp; they like them so much they eat them).
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (German blue variety) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Venezuela and Colombia (Orinoco basin); aquarium-bred |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful, but may become aggressive toward similar-sized fish or fancy shrimp |
| Size | Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Water Temperature | 72–78°F (22–26°C) |
| Water pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 2–10 dGH |
FAQ
What is the difference between German blue rams and Bolivian rams?
German blue rams are a captive-bred variety of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, known for their vibrant blue coloration and hardiness. Bolivian rams are wild-caught and typically have more varied color patterns, often with red and orange hues. Both are peaceful community fish but may show aggression toward similar-sized fish or fancy shrimp.
Are German blue rams compatible with other fish?
Yes, German blue rams are generally peaceful and get along well with most community fish. However, they may eat colorful fancy shrimp and can become aggressive toward other rams or similarly sized fish.
What are the ideal water conditions for German blue rams?
They thrive in water temperatures between 72–78°F (22–26°C), with a pH range of 6.0–7.5 and water hardness between 2–10 dGH.
Bernadette Kerr –
I’ve had German blue rams for six months now and they’re very active and colorful. They don’t stress other fish and stay calm in a community tank. The only issue is they eat fancy shrimp, so I removed those. Overall, a great addition to a community aquarium.
Caroline Duncan –
The fish arrived healthy and look vibrant. They’re peaceful and enjoy the tank environment. I noticed they occasionally bump into each other, but it’s not aggressive. Good for beginners looking for a colorful, hardy fish.
Steven Walker –
Beautiful fish with a striking blue color. They adapt well to my tank setup and don’t require much maintenance. Just make sure not to keep them with shrimp or other small fish that might be eaten.