Breeding Ram Electric Blue (Microgeophagus Ramirezi Electric Blue) In The Aquarium

Location

This freshwater fish is a colour variant of the Ram cichlid.

Body description

Colour of the body is blue with dark brown back. The brown colour occurs mainly on the head and around the dorsal fin. The pelvic fins have dark border. The iris of the eye is red. Female is thicker in the ventral parts compared to male. Male’s dorsal fin is elongated – it looks like pennant.

Temperament and behaviour

This is friendly species. Males are a bit territorial towards each other. You should keep single male and two females in one aquarium.

Aquarium decoration

This species has similar aquarium requirements as Ram cichlids. These fish are very sensitive to water quality, accumulation of the nitrates and fluctuations of water temperature. You need an effective filtration system and regular partial water changes. The fish prefers to swim in the middle and at the bottom water level.

Breeding

This is an oviparous species. You should breed these fish in a separate tank. Aquarium should include very soft and slightly acid water (you should add peat to filtration system) with 28-30°C water temperature, fine-leaved plants (e.g. java moss), soft substrate, flat stones. You should remove female after spawning because she doesn’t take care for the roe and offspring. Male may protect the eggs and offspring but you should keep an eye on him at all times. He can eat the roe but it depends on the fish temperament. The caring male takes care for the offspring and he moves the larvae to pre-dug hole in the substrate. The fry starts to swim and feed after 5-6 days. The fry is sensitive to water quality. You should do partial water exchanges through the filter.