Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: territorial cichlid.
G
Fish · Freshwater
German blue ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
The ram cichlid is a very attractive dwarf cichlid, but more delicate than its size suggests. It needs warm, stable and clean water with low pressure from tankmates and bottom-level cover.
Its pair and territory behavior make it a bottom centerpiece, not just a small community fish.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Aggression
5/10
Schooling
Low
Size
7.00 cm
Minimum volume
80 L
Temperature
25.0-30.0 ºC
Zone
Bottom
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Territoriality
High
Aggression
5/10
Activity
Moderate
Thermal sensitivity
High
Bioload
Medium
Speed
Moderate
Predation risk
Opportunistic
Expert calculator
Check whether this species fits your aquarium
Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.
Expert read
Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Compatible with
Has positive or conditional references with species such as Angelfish.
Typical risk
Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
Bottom
primary
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Conditional
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
High risk
Small fish
Conditional
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying German blue ram
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 80 L before buying it.
T
Territory and cover
Prepare visual cover and calm areas if it will live with other species.
C
Stable temperature
Avoid keeping it at the edges of its temperature range for long periods.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
5.5 - 7.0
GH
1 - 8
KH
0 - 4
Temperature
25.0 - 30.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
As a juvenile it is usually more flexible and less dominant than an adult. Even so, it benefits from cover, stable parameters and tank mates that do not compete intensely in the bottom.
Shift
Territorial behavior may become more evident with sexual maturity or during breeding periods.
Adult
As an adult it may defend specific areas and increase pressure on tank mates that stay too close. The aquarium layout should include visually separated territories.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Territorial Cichlid
Centerpiece
Small
Medium
Narrow
Opportunistic
Profile: territorial cichlid or fish, with medium bioload and primary use of the bottom. It does not rely on a strong school, but it still needs a balanced community without harassment. It may show opportunistic predation toward fry or very small animals. Provide hiding places, visual barriers and enough room to prevent constant pressure. Temperature stability matters; avoid long-term maintenance at the edges of its range.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
78%
Aggression
50%
Activity
52%
Thermal sensitivity
78%
Bioload
52%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping temperature at the edges of the range for long periods.
Designing the aquarium without shelter or visual barriers.
Relations
Compatible with
✓
Angelfish
Conditional
Main risk: Water parameters
Review conditions
Pterophyllum scalare + Mikrogeophagus ramirezi: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
D
Discus
Conditional
Main risk: Water parameters
Review conditions
Symphysodon aequifasciatus + Mikrogeophagus ramirezi: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
P
Panda cory
Conditional
Main risk: Water parameters
Review conditions
Corydoras panda + Mikrogeophagus ramirezi: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
S
Sterbai cory
Conditional
Main risk: Water parameters
Review conditions
Corydoras sterbai + Mikrogeophagus ramirezi: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
Essential care
Use mature aquariums, fine sand, plants and shelters. Avoid cool water, high nitrates and aggressive tankmates. Thermal stability is key; sudden changes often cause rapid decline.
Daily time
10 min
Related biomes
Breeding
It forms pairs and lays eggs on flat surfaces or protected areas. During breeding it defends territory. Raising fry requires stability, microscopic food and low pressure from other fish.
Oviparous
Moderate
Machos más coloridos y con aletas más desarrolladas
Alerts and health
- Refugios
- Sustrato fino
- Agua estable
Common issues
Hexamita
Ich
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una especie muy popular en acuariofilia
02
Se aprecia más cuando se mantiene correctamente
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
Explore atlas
You may also like
Related species to keep comparing habitat, size, and behavior.
