German Blue Ram Pair For Sale? Quick Answer

German Bluebuck Care Guide – Housing, Breeding and More

With their dazzling colors and confident personality, German bluebok cichlids are one of the most striking freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. When you see a healthy breeding ram, almost all the colors of the rainbow are displayed. In this article we interviewed master breeder Dean to share his decades of experience in keeping, breeding and raising this amazing dwarf cichlid.

What are German Bluebucks?

Microgeophagus ramirezi is a South American dwarf cichlid that goes by many common names including ram cichlid, blue ram, German blue ram, butterfly cichlid, and Ramirez dwarf cichlid.

Where do blue rams come from? Contrary to the name, ram cichlids are native to the Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela. The name “German blue” refers to a color variation of the ram cichlid that was deliberately bred in Germany and has become established in the aquarium trade worldwide.

What Are the Different Types of Ram Cichlids? In terms of body shape, there are regular, long fin and balloon rams on the market. The most common color variants include German blue rams, golden rams, and electric blue rams. A black version of the ram cichlid was recently developed but is still difficult to find.

This golden balloon ram was selectively bred for its bright yellow color and shortened body shape.

How big does a German bluebok get? Normal-sized blue rams tend to stay between 5 and 6 cm long, which is slightly smaller than their cousins, the Bolivian ram cichlid (Microgeophagus altispinosus).

How long do German bluebok fish live? Due to poor breeding practices or improper care requirements, ram cichlids have a reputation for being less hardy compared to other species. Given plenty of good quality food and clean water at the right temperature (see below) they can live up to 4 years.

Where to Buy German Blue Rams

Ram cichlids typically come from three sources: overseas fish farms, domestic fish farms (from your own country), or local breeders. If you’re shopping at a fish store, most likely the fish was imported from overseas. The cichlids appear to have lighter colors or longer fins, but be careful as overseas farms sometimes use hormones that artificially enhance their appearance but also negatively affect their longevity. If you’re buying from a local farm in the United States, they’re often raised in Florida and may be in better condition than imported fish. It is best to buy from a local breeder as rams are kept in water parameters more similar to yours and therefore have a higher chance of thriving.

How to choose a healthy blue ram? When shopping at a fish store, be sure to select a hardy, active ram that eats well and may fight over the best spawning grounds with other rams. Don’t choose a skinny Aries, especially if they have a hollow stomach. Sick rams with these symptoms rarely recover, so select the healthiest specimens. If you’re looking for a pair to breed with, Dean recommends choosing a colorful male with elongated dorsal fins and handsome pectoral fins. If you can find the female he is already mated to, you have a higher chance of a successful breed. Females are easily identified by having tiny, light blue dots within the large black patch on the side of their body, while males have no spangles on their black patch.

The female on the right has spangles within her black patch, while the male on the left does not.

How to Set Up a Ram Cichlid Aquarium?

Most beginners are unaware that the most critical component of their keeping is keeping blue rams in high temperatures, ideally between 84 and 86 degrees F (29-30 degrees C). If you want to add live aquarium plants to your tank, make sure they can tolerate the hot water. Aries also like to dig, so choose plants like java fern and mosses that don’t require substrate and can be attached to rocks and driftwood.

Good water quality is also important. Give them a partial water change at least once a week as they need plenty of fresh, clean water and cannot tolerate ammonia and other toxins. A drop in water quality can lead to illness and possible death. As far as water chemistry parameters go, Aries are fairly adaptable to a wide range of pH levels, but they do better in soft water or low GH conditions. If you have hard tap water, consider diluting it with some RODI (deionized reverse osmosis) water or add flaked Indian almonds and driftwood to soften the water.

How many blue rams should be kept together? A pair of rams can live in a 20 gallon community tank or in a 10 gallon breeding tank with no other fish. If you want to keep two pairs of rams, increase the aquarium size to 40 gallons so that each pair has enough territory. Give the rams multiple places to hide from each other in case one decides to be the tank boss.

Can blue rams live alone? Yes, if you have an overly aggressive individual who doesn’t play well with others, he may be happier as the leader of a community aquarium with no other dwarf cichlids.

Are Aries peaceful Pisces? Like many cichlids, Bluebuck can be a bit lively when the tank is too small or when they are tending their eggs. However, they are relatively peaceful and are often kept in a community aquarium with other similarly sized fish that enjoy the same water parameters.

Ram cichlids can live in community tanks as long as the other tank mates can tolerate higher temperatures and do not eat them.

Can blue rams live with tank mates? Yes, they can live with almost any community fish that can tolerate the same high temperatures, such as tetras, Sterbai armored catfish, plecos, discus, angelfish and other dwarf cichlids. Just don’t put them with super fast eaters that they will outperform for food or larger fish (like Oscars) that they might consider food.

What do bluebok cichlids eat?

In our experience, these cichlids are not very fussy, so you can feed them almost any dry food you can buy from the pet store, such as: B. sinking pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and freeze-dried Tubifex worms. They also love frozen foods like Artemia, Cyclops, Bloodworms and Mysis shrimp for larger adults. Give them a wide variety of foods to ensure they are getting all the essential nutrients and vitamins they need to stay healthy. Dean likes to feed his rams twice a day, especially while they are growing, but once they reach adulthood, once a day is fine.

What do German bluebucks need for breeding?

Chances are that if you keep a male and female together, even in a community aquarium, they will spawn somewhere (usually in a secluded corner where they can protect the eggs). However, if you want to set up a dedicated breeding tank, get a 10 gallon aquarium with a lid and background so they will feel more secure. Dean uses bare bottom tanks with no substrate, but you can add some gravel if you like. Get a gentle sponge filter (or a small hanging filter with a pre-filter sponge to prevent sucking in juvenile fish) and an adjustable aquarium heater. In the corners of the tank, place various spawning spots, like flat river rocks or tiny terracotta pots and saucers. Add a large clump of java moss or java fern on wood to provide shelter for the rams and to breed infusoria for the fry to feed on.

Ram cichlids breed very easily, but their eggs can be eaten by other fish and invertebrates if kept in a community tank.

Prepare the adults for breeding by feeding them high-quality food and a few live Artemia babies daily. Dean’s reasoning behind this trick is that the abundance of fry food in the water signals the parents that it is a good time to spawn and they are more likely to tend to the fry. New parents may eat the first two or three broods they lay. So if you want to save the eggs, place them in a sample container with a few drops of methylene blue to prevent fungal growth. Once hatched in 3 to 5 days, do a 50% water change every day to gradually remove the drug and feed them infusoria as the first food several times a day. If the parents can take care of the brood themselves, then your job will be much easier. Start feeding the fry live baby brine shrimp and powdered brood foods like Hikari First Bites, and the parents will lead their babies to where the food is.

Would you like to learn more about another species of dwarf cichlid that is easy to breed? Check out our complete Apistogramma care guide.

German blue rams can grow to full size in 4–6 months.

Like many other cichlids, German bluebuck become mature relatively quickly within the first four to six months of life. By then they will be about two to three centimeters long. At this age they are also ready to spawn with their mate.

In addition, with proper care and high-quality food, healthy German Bluebuck can live to be three to four years old. Unfortunately, poor breeding practices, poor genetics, and improper care can shorten their lifespan.

Electric blue ram

Wilhelm Berg

The newest color morph of the common ram cichlid, the electric blue ram has proven to be a popular addition to the hobby, although it’s a bit more difficult to keep than its wild-type cousin. A cichlid fan describes exactly what it takes to get this lively fish.

• Tank requirements

• Appropriate tankmates

• Keep the electric blues

• Feeding

• Sexing and Breeding

• Education

• Troubleshooting

The New and Improved Cichlid

preparation for breeding

spawning and offspring

spawning activity

Dealing with inexperienced parents

One of the more recent additions to the aquarium trade is the electric blue ram, a color morph of the ram cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) that was developed in 2009. Electric blue rams are still less common than other ram species and can be more expensive. Be wary of electric blue rams sold at “bargain prices” as they may have been treated with hormones, a practice that weakens specimens and shortens their lifespans. Always buy from a trusted, reputable dealer or breeder. The Electric Bluebuck isn’t recommended for beginners, but it’s not too difficult to hold either. One pair can be housed in a 20 gallon aquarium, while two pairs will require a tank of at least 40 gallons. As always, more water means you’ll have an easier time keeping water quality high and stable, and since the electric blue ram is sensitive to organic waste like nitrate, it’s unwise to skimp on tank size if you can fetch Get your hands on this rare and expensive fish. Since the electric blue ram is a species of ram cichlid, it is safest to provide it with an environment that resembles the habitat of its wild ancestors. Give your electric blue ram plenty of cover, ideally including aquatic plants or submerged terrestrial vegetation in the setup. Densely planted areas and area coverage would be ideal, combined with at least one open swimming area. In addition to plants, the trembling goat should be provided with a few caves as shelter. If you want to breed the tremor, provide it with several flat rocks or breeding slates in the tank to choose from, as this fish likes to lay its eggs on a flat, horizontal surface. The electric blue ram should never be housed with aggressive fish or fast and energetic species that will gobble up all the food before the ram finds it. A common mistake is to house ram cichlids and electric blue rams with other dwarf cichlids – avoid this at all costs. Keeping electric blue rams alone is also not recommended; You need some peaceful and docile species in the aquarium to feel safe. Opt for slow and calm types that do not outperform Aries at mealtimes. If your electric blue rams start showing aggressive tendencies toward tankmates, try adding more hiding places to the setup. A lack of suitable places to hide can lead to aggressive behavior. Also, electric bluebucks always become aggressive during the breeding season because of the need to keep their young safe. Electric bluebuck should not be introduced into newly established aquariums; They need a stable environment with little organic waste. Successful keeping usually includes mechanical and biological filtration as well as regular water changes. Strong water movement is not appreciated since wild ram cichlids live in slow-moving waters. The normal temperature range for wild ram cichlids is between 27 and 30°C and the water they live in is soft and acidic. A pH in the range of 5 to 6 is ideal for electric blue rams, but aquarium specimens will typically adapt to anything below pH 7.1. There are even reports of aquarists successfully housing German blue rams in moderately hard water, so this may be possible for electric blue rams as well. The electric blue ram is an omnivore and needs both a meaty and green diet. The stress of being introduced to a new environment can cause the fish to lose its appetite, so be prepared to coax it with bloodworms or similar food. Once he eats enough, you can introduce other types of food like flakes and pellets as well. A well-acclimatized electric blue ram will typically take on many different types of food. Keep an eye on the fish during feeding time. As I mentioned earlier, electric blue rams are a bit slow moving and can starve if kept with faster moving species. The electric blue Aries is very difficult to sexually, and as a result, established pairs are quite expensive. If one of your fish has a slightly longer dorsal fin, it’s probably a male. If you don’t want to pay for an established pair, the most reliable method of obtaining a pair is to purchase a group of hatchlings and raise them together. When they are old enough, they form their own pairs – provided, of course, that the group contains at least one member of both sexes. Electric blue rams form monogamous pairs and both sexes are active parents, but low fertility and poor brood care seem to be more common problems in this color morph than in the wild and wild-type Pisces. This is well known in the hobby; Increased sensitivity and reduced fertility have been observed in almost all color and shape variants of ram cichlids developed for the aquarium trade. This is not to say that keeping and breeding electric bluebuck is exceptionally difficult, just that an aquarist accustomed to the regular ram cichlid breeding boards may be disappointed in the setup. The bottom of the aquarium should be covered with a burrow-friendly substrate, as some animals have shown a penchant for digging burrows during the breeding season. You can try to coax the fish into breeding mode by making sure the water is really soft and acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and raising the water temperature slightly – ideally a rise from the lower end of the recommended temperature range to 82° F. Use a timer to control the lights as erratic light patterns can confuse fish. Keep in mind that wild ram cichlids live in tropical parts of South America, where day and night last about 12 hours each, with only slight changes through the seasons. Before you decide to start breeding electric blue rams, it is important to know that like most other cichlids that show parental care, the electric blue rams will become more aggressive than normal during the breeding season. This doesn’t have to be a problem as long as the aquarium is large enough and contains plenty of hiding places and natural territory boundaries. Before spawning, a flat rock is cleaned or a pit dug in the substrate, sometimes adjacent to a rock. Nudging and whirling are two other clear signs of impending spawning, and sometimes the male blue ram cichlid can be seen darting away from the female’s body or slithering against the female’s body. During the actual spawning, the female ram lays sticky eggs on the rock or in the pit. The eggs are small, usually 0.9 to 1.5 mm long. Figures from ram cichlid farms show that an average female lays 150 to 300 eggs, but only 20 to over 500 eggs have been reported. Also, numbers that apply to the wild-type buck cichlid do not necessarily apply to the color morphs. More electric blue ram breeders will need to release their egg counts before a reliable count can be obtained. It is not advisable to separate the offspring from their parents as electric blue rams of both sexes work together to ensure group survival. One parent protects the territory from potential predators while the other blows fresh water over the eggs to keep bacteria and fungus away. The parents also eat any unfertilized eggs to prevent them from attracting pathogens. If the water temperature stays in the upper range of the recommended range, you can expect the eggs to hatch within 40 hours of fertilization. Parents will continue to take care of the offspring and herd them together in a dense school. The juveniles are usually free swimming after about five days but are not allowed to forage alone – the parents will always accompany them to protect them, it is not uncommon for inexperienced pairs to lose their first batches. If this happens, just keep them spawning; Most couples eventually get the hang of it. After the first spawning, you can expect an established pair to have a new batch every month. Eating eggs is common even among inexperienced parents and don’t worry if it happens in the first few batches. Newly formed pairs often fight a lot, so make sure there are plenty of hiding places in the tank to prevent injury and stress.

If an experienced pair of Electric Aries continues to lose their offspring, you need to investigate whether there is a problem in the aquarium. Is something stressing your fish, such as unsuitable water quality or temperature? Are there enough places to hide? Is your pair being bullied by their tankmates? Do they get enough food at feeding time or do the faster mates take most of the food? Is there a fish in the aquarium that is so strong or cunning that the couple cannot protect their offspring from it? As mentioned above, blue ram cichlids are often more sensitive than their wild ram cichlid ancestors and may need a little more pampering.

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There are many similarities between the Bolivian ram and the German blue ram. They are both members of the same family and are both considered peaceful fish. But what are the main differences between these two breeds?

The main differences are that Bolivian rams are easier to care for, tolerate cold water better, are larger than German, and are easier to breed and find. German bluebucks, on the other hand, are smaller, more colorful, and more difficult to breed.

There is a lot to know about these two species of fish. Both have many similarities and differences that we will explore in this article. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each fish and suggest which species better suits your lifestyle.

What is the Bolivian Aries?

The Bolivian Ram is a species of fish endemic to the Amazon River in Brazil and Bolivia. They are also known as the Bolivian butterfly, Bolivian ram cichlid, and ruby ​​clown cichlid. They belong to the cichlid family. They are omnivores, meaning they feed on small organisms and plant matter.

Bolivian rams are considered the perfect aquarium fish. Many fish lovers agree that they are great for novice breeders. This is because they tend to be peaceful creatures, which is in contrast to the other members of their family.

The Bolivian ram is also tolerant of cold temperatures and can handle a wide range of water conditions. However, it is recommended to recreate their natural environment as they prefer acidic waters with temperate weather conditions.

Female and male Bolivian rams come in different sizes and colors. The female tends to be smaller and has a different belly color.

How to care for Bolivian rams?

Bolivian rams are hardy Pisces. Therefore, as long as their water is changed every week, they will be happy and healthy. Keep an eye on oxygen levels as this is the only aspect they are not resistant to.

Bolivian rams are prone to parasites. One of the most common in these cichlids is white spot disease. This is also known as me. If you notice white spots on your body that weren’t there before, then try increasing this temperature to 30°C. Wait if it goes away.

If the parasite lingers, you’ll need to use Copper, a great option when dealing with parasites in tanks. Just be careful as using copper could damage the plants in your tank.

Bolivian rams need a place to hide. Therefore, you should choose a good plant ecosystem for them. We recommend java fern, Amazon sword, Anubias nana or wisteria. Add a few rocks and you’ll have a happy Bolivian Aries.

Best tank mates for your Bolivian ram

Bolivian Aries are peaceful and shy. With that in mind, avoid aggressive fish in their community. They get along well with other dwarf cichlids and other peaceful fish.

As a partner for your Bolivian Aries we recommend:

silver dollar

Rummy nose

pygmy gouramis

emperor tetra

guppies

platy

Odessa barb

tiger barbel

Avoid placing smaller fish or plants as they may mistake them for food.

Overall, Bolivian rams are shy and don’t interact much with other Pisces. So it’s okay if you get a tank just for them.

What tank configuration do Bolivian rams need?

Bolivian rams are hardy Pisces, so you don’t need to keep them in any particular arrangement. But if you can recreate their natural environment, they’ll appreciate it.

They are native to the coldest parts of the Amazon rivers in Bolivia and Brazil. However, they can tolerate temperatures up to 87°F (30.6°C).

They can withstand pH levels between 6 and 7.5. Therefore, you should adjust it depending on what other fish you will have in the tanks.

These fish need places to hide and breed, so add rocks in the ground and plants. If you have the fish in an exposed tank, they will feel intimidated by the other fish. Give them enough space and they will live healthy for at least four years.

What is the German Blue Ram?

German blue rams are small and colorful. They belong to the cichlid family and are considered peaceful fish. German blue rams are typically yellow, blue, and white. Many consider them fascinating aquarium fish due to their bright colors and intriguing shapes.

Surprisingly, the German Bluebuck is not native to Germany. They come from South America. This fish is native to the Amazon rivers of Colombia and Venezuela.

The name Deutsch comes from a color variation of the fish. Originally, German bluebucks had different shades of blue. German breeders chose the current shade of blue and bred their rams to continue that color line.

They are a species of fish that prefers a more acidic environment, such as that found in South American rivers. Unlike the Bolivian rams, German blue rams require a warmer water temperature.

The German Bluebuck is an omnivore, meaning it eats plant matter and small organisms. You must provide them with a balanced diet of plant-based and meat-based products.

The female and male German Bluebuck are different. The male is 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) longer than the female, and females display a pink tint in their bellies.

German bluebuck need certain water conditions as well as an appropriate diet. This means they are difficult fish to breed.

If you want to learn more about this Aries, you can watch this video:

How to take care of the German blue ram?

German Bluebuck need a lot of grooming. They are sensitive to water changes, so use caution when introducing them to new aquariums.

They need frequent water changes. At least once a week you should change 20% of the water in the tanks. You need to change even more if you have a heavily filled water tank. If you neglect this, the health of your German Bluebuck could suffer.

When changing the water, you must prepare and temper the new water before adding it. German bluebuck are susceptible to fish tuberculosis, a disease that can also affect humans. The most common symptoms you will see are the following:

Your fish is getting thinner.

They can represent ulcers around the head and body.

Your eyes go slack.

If you notice these symptoms, use caution and do not interact unprotected with the water. The fish can pass the disease on to you. Carefully remove the water and change the whole environment to get rid of it.

Best tank mates for your German blue ram

This is a peaceful fish that requires a peaceful community. They will have a hard time in an aggressive aquarium. They get along with other dwarf cichlids and peaceful non-cichlids.

Against this background, we recommend the following fish as German Bluebuck companions:

Corydoras

Red-nosed tetra

silver dollar

pygmy gouramis

discus

Plecostomus catfish

cardinal and neon tetras

Cardinal and neon tetra clown loaches

We do not recommend adding smaller fish or plants as they may look like food.

Overall, German Blue Rams do well with mellow communities or living alone. Do not mix males in the same tank. They could fight over territory until one of them dies.

What tank setup do German Blue Rams need?

German blue rams are a sensitive cichlid breed, and they will not tolerate any environment other than their natural one.

Keep the water with a gentle current and always keep an eye on oxygen and nitrate levels.

Change the water every week and make sure the new water is temperate and treated. The best temperature for them is around 80°F (26.7°C).

German bluebuck need a water hardness of about 6 to 14 dGH. That means balancing the calcium and magnesium levels in the tank.

German bluebucks also need lots of rocks and plants to hide themselves. However, make sure you have enough space to swim.

Similarities between the Bolivian ram and the German blue ram

Bolivian rams and German blue rams come from the same family

Bolivian rams and German blue rams belong to the cichlid family. They are both considered dwarf cichlids and share many similarities in behavior and personality.

They are the only two cichlids that are considered peaceful fish. Other family members tend to be aggressive towards other fish.

They are both good options for aquariums

The German blue ram is a perfect choice for your aquarium due to its colorful appearance and playful nature. They are eye-catchers and, with the right care, grow into a large community.

The Bolivian Ram is very resilient and peaceful. These are two qualities a fish needs to survive in a community tank. They get along with most fish and the males don’t fight to the death for their territory like other cichlids.

They have similar availability and price

Both the German blue ram and the Bolivian ram are common breeds. They are the two most common cichlids in aquariums, so you won’t have a hard time finding a trustworthy place to get one.

Their price is usually similar, although a properly bred Bolivian ram will cost a little more due to the greater demand for them.

You can get a good Bolivian ram specimen for $10. However, you can find the German blue ram for around $8.

Key Differences Between Bolivian Rams and German Blue Rams

size and appearance

They’re both colorful fish, but there are many differences in appearance between the Bolivian ram and the German blue ram.

The German Bluebuck is smaller. It can grow to a maximum of 5.1 cm. The Bolivian ram can grow up to 8.9 cm.

The Bolivian ram has a colorful appearance, but its colors are less vibrant than the German blue ram. The latter is also known as the rainbow ram.

Typical behavior

Although they are both peaceful creatures, Bolivian rams are shy Pisces. This means that given adequate space and hiding places, they will spend most of their time in the lower and mid-pelvic area.

On the other hand, German Blue Rams are bolder and will spend time swimming around every inch of the tank. They are also very playful and will dance during mating season to attract females.

The swimming pattern of the Bolivian ram is unique, while that of the German blue ram is not. The Bolivian Aries gives a few smacks and then suddenly stops and repeats it over and over again.

Bolivian rams are also generally more intelligent than the German blue rams. This can be noticed by their interaction with objects and movements outside of the tanks. They are also known to follow fingers, which only smart fish can do.

Another difference in their behavior is their eating habits. Bolivian rams will eat almost anything they can put in their mouths. However, German bluebucks are picky eaters and don’t reach for ordinary foods.

Water temperature and pH requirement

One of the main differences between the Bolivian ram and the German blue ram is their ability to adapt to different environments.

The German blue ram needs a warm temperature of around 78° to 85°F (25.6 to 29.4℃) to survive. They also need slow flow and dim lighting, and a pH of around 6 to 7.5. For this reason, German bluebuck are considered a sensitive fish species.

The Bolivian ram is a hardy fish, which means it can adapt to different aquatic environments. It does not require a specific water temperature and can thrive at low or high pH levels. However, we recommend mimicking their natural environment to keep them healthy for longer.

Another interesting difference is the space required for each ram. They require 30 gallons (113 L) per specimen for the Bolivian ram, while the German blue ram only requires 10 gallons (38 L) per specimen.

Which one should you choose?

It all depends on what you plan to do with your fish. If you want the most showy fish for your aquarium, then the German Bluebuck is for you. However, if you are looking to start breeding and are new to fishing, then the Bolivian Ram is the right choice.

If you want to know which one to choose, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need them for breeding? If you do this and have experience breeding other species, you can choose the one you like best. However, if you are new to breeding, we recommend the Bolivian ram as it is easier to breed than the German blue ram.

If you do this and have experience breeding other species, you can choose the one you like best. However, if you are new to breeding, we recommend the Bolivian ram as it is easier to breed than the German blue ram. How big is the tank or aquarium I will be using? If you are planning on under 30 gallons (113 L) per ram, then we recommend going with a German blue ram. They don’t take up much space and require no more than 38L (10 gallons) per specimen.

If you are planning on under 30 gallons (113 L) per ram, then we recommend going with a German blue ram. They don’t take up much space and require no more than 38L (10 gallons) per specimen. Will I have enough time to make sure the Aries are healthy and happy? Grooming is important for any fish, but some fish need it more than others. If you don’t have much time for your aquarium, we recommend that you opt for the Bolivian Ram. They take much less time and mostly require a water change every two days.

Grooming is important for any fish, but some fish need it more than others. If you don’t have much time for your aquarium, we recommend that you opt for the Bolivian Ram. They take much less time and mostly require a water change every two days. Do I want a playful and colorful fish or one that can interact with me? If you want something playful and colorful, then the German blue ram is the best option. They will dance, they will play and they will be a good spectacle for your aquarium. However, they are not the smartest. So if you want a fish that will recognize and interact with you, then the Bolivian Ram could be your best bet.

With each specimen, think about your goals and then choose based on what you want and need from an Aries. Don’t be afraid to put these two Aries in the same tank.

Conclusion

There are many differences and similarities between Bolivian and German Aries.

Bolivian rams are the easiest to breed. They are larger and require less maintenance than their German counterparts. It’s a great option when you’re starting out as a breeder and will make an excellent addition to any aquarium.

On the other hand, the German Bluebuck is smaller, requires more care and does not get along with smaller fish.

Keep in mind that while they have many differences, they both make great breeding or aquarium options. So choose one or both; It’s your decision.

Also read:

Yes, you can keep German bluebuck alone. German Bluebucks are not particularly social, so they don’t mind being kept alone. As long as you provide them with plenty of environmental enrichment, they can support themselves.

Despite this, German Blue Rams are happiest when kept in a male-female pair. They are monogamous and mates for life, so keeping a pair of German Blue Rams together is highly recommended.

Alternatively, it is also advisable to keep individual German bluebucks in a peaceful community tank. Being relatively passive, they can get along with several other species including:

German Blue Ram stats

Minimum tank size: 29 gallons (110 liters)

Care Level: Difficult

Water Conditions: PH 4.0-7-0 Soft to moderately hard

Temperature: 25-29°C (78-85°F)

Maximum size: 2 inches (5 cm)

The German bluebok cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a small freshwater fish known for its bright colors. It is sold under many names: blue ram, Asiatic ram, butterfly cichlid, Ramirez dwarf cichlid, and dwarf butterfly cichlid. Most pet shops, however, carry it under the name “German Bluebuck”.

These fish are native to South America and are found throughout the Orinoco Basin in Venezuela and Colombia. Their habitat varies significantly and includes seasonal alluvial forests, shady forest tributaries, and streams and rivers in the savanna grasslands. The water ranges from clear to heavily tainted with tannins.

The average life expectancy for German Bluebucks should be around three years, but due to poor breeding practices in the Far East, the use of hormones to lighten their colors, and possibly the fact that some of them are artificially colored, they rarely live much longer than 18 years Months. However, German Bluebuck bred in the home aquarium tend to have much longer lifespans.

Housing

There is a joke in the hobby that the average German blue ram lifespan is about 10 minutes. And that’s because these fish are incredibly sensitive to bad water conditions. Attempts should never be made to add these fish to a new aquarium and they should only be added to a mature, exceptionally stable aquarium.

German blue rams should be kept in an aquarium of at least 110 liters capacity to allow a mated male and female to be kept together comfortably. These dwarf cichlids are among the few cichlids that do well in a community tank, and a mated pair will do well with the most peaceful schools of fish.

These fish inhabit densely vegetated areas in the wild and this environment should be replicated as closely as possible in the home aquarium. A combination of floating plants and underwater plants will help achieve this, but some areas of the aquarium should be left open for swimming. Hiding places should also be provided, and this can be done by adding ornamental caves, clay flower pots set on their side (the pots should never be painted or glazed), and driftwood overhangs.

While adding leaf litter is messy, it can be beneficial for a German blue ram aquarium. The decaying leaves and their tannins will help restore their natural environment, and the bacteria that feed on the decaying leaves will provide a much-needed food source for the juvenile fish.

If breeding is desired, then several flat stones should be distributed throughout the aquarium. However, if the substrate is gravel, the breeding pair will dig a small nest to lay their eggs in. However, these fish prefer a soft, sandy bottom, so gravel is not ideal.

When it comes to filter selection, a hang-on filter is usually the best choice for a Bluebuck aquarium. However, care should be taken not to over-filter the aquarium as these fish do not thrive in strong water currents. My personal recommendation for a filter is the Aquaclear Power Filter and I use these filters on most of my aquariums.

feeding

German blue rams feed on bottom-dwelling organisms and in the home aquarium they can often be seen sifting through the substrate. They take large morsels of the substrate, search for anything edible in it, and then spit out the unwanted material through their mouth and gills.

These fish should be fed a good quality sinking pellet and I highly recommend Hikari Sinking Tropical Wafers for Bottom Feeders. This should be supplemented with live or frozen food, with some of their favorites being bloodworms, blackworms (Tubefex in Europe), Artemia and Daphnia.

It is not uncommon for wild-caught fish to initially refuse to eat prepared foods, and frozen and live foods should be on hand when first purchasing these fish. It can often take a few weeks to train them to eat the prepared food, and feeding the live or frozen food at the same time as the prepared fish food helps them recognize it as a food source.

Because these fish are poor food competitors, it is important to feed the different fish separately when keeping them in a community aquarium. Sinking grains should be provided for the German bluebuck and floating flakes for the other fish. In order for the German bluebuck to eat enough food, you should always pay attention to the feeding.

breed

Years of poor breeding practices and hormone injections are thought to have rendered many of the male German rams infertile, and this is particularly true of the ornamental strains. For this reason – and the fact that these fish form monogamous pairs – if breeding is to take place, they should initially be kept in groups of at least six. Once sexually mature, they form monogamous pairs before spawning, and the bonded pairs can then be separated in breeding tanks.

It is relatively easy to sex these fish as the males have elongated dorsal fin rays and generally more intense colors. When females reach sexual maturity and are ready to breed, their abdomens will turn a reddish/pink color. The females also have a bluish tinge in the area below the dorsal fin, along with a scattering of blue scales.

Males are very territorial before spawning and will chase away any other males in the vicinity. While not as aggressive as other cichlid species during spawning, aggression issues should be expected.

As substrate spawners, these fish lay their eggs on rocks or in small indentations dug in the substrate. If there are no other viable spawning grounds in their aquarium, they will sometimes lay their eggs on the aquarium pane.

Between 100 and 300 eggs are laid and the eggs usually hatch between 48 and 72 hours after fertilization. But many eggs often fail to develop, especially when kept in hard water. Mushrooms are a particular problem for German bluebok eggs.

Until the eggs hatch, the parents fan water over them. The young fish swim freely after five days and feed on the egg sac until then. German blue rams are usually poor parents during the first spawning season and often eat their brood. But they usually get the hang of it after the first few tries.

Once the juveniles are swimming freely, they are accompanied by one of their parents to forage in a cramped school. The juveniles can be fed infusoria, microworms or any other commercially available brood food. After a few days, the food can be switched to Artemia babies.

Last word

These fish are some of the most popular in the hobby and come in a variety of ornamental varieties. But like the popular neon tetras, these fish have suffered from a loss of genetic diversity due to poor breeding practices. Many of the fish now available are delicate and have low fertility. For this reason, it is very important to carefully select the fish before buying them. Reputable, private breeders are usually the best option if they can be found locally.

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Blue ram cichlids, sometimes called butterfly cichlids, are a brilliantly colored species of cichlids native to Colombia and Venezuela. Blue Ram Cichlids are prized for their stunning looks and interesting personalities.

They are generally peaceful and social, making them excellent for community aquariums. With the right care and attention, Blue Ram Cichlids will be thriving and multiplying in no time!

Caring for Blue Ram Cichlids

Blue ram cichlids are a bit more difficult to house than the average cichlid. Although our complete guide, you should be able to learn everything you need to know about caring for these amazing little fish!

tank requirements

Some sources claim that you can raise Blue Rams in a 10 gallon aquarium, but I would strongly recommend doing so. Bluebuck are a beautiful, interesting species and require a lot of space. If you are planning on keeping a pair of Blue Rams I would suggest using a 20-30 gallon aquarium. This way you can provide them with enough hiding places, plants and rock formations. It may require a bit more upfront money, but you’ll avoid a lot of headaches in the end. Your fish will also be healthier, happier and most likely live longer!

water demand

Blue Ram Cichlids are much more sensitive to water conditions than other cichlid species. The temperature should stay between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit at worst, but they thrive best at a constant 80 degrees. As always with water temperature, it is crucial that it remains constant and does not fluctuate.

Blue Aries require a pH of 5.5-7 and prefer soft water. They are very sensitive to poor water conditions so make sure to test your water regularly. Any trace of ammonia or nitrite is fatal to Aries. Try to keep your nitrates as low as possible with regular water changes. As always, make sure your aquarium is FULLY cycled before adding your Blue Rams.

Water flow in your Blue Ram aquarium should be minimal, especially if you want them to spawn. A small flow of water from the filter is usually sufficient!

Aquarium setup and tank mates

Surprisingly, Blue Ram Cichlids thrive best when housed with other fish. Keeping different species with your rams tends to make them less aggressive and more relaxed. A few great tankmates are tetras, rainbowfish, and guppies. These peaceful aquarium mates will help your rams feel safe and add some action to your aquarium.

Blue ram cichlids need an aquarium with plenty of hiding places. In the absence of hiding places, they tend to become aggressive, pecking at each other and other species. Whenever possible, try to mimic the natural habitat of rams as closely as possible. This includes a lot of vegetation, wood and rock caves. Providing cave-like structures is crucial to making your Aries feel protected and comfortable. Vertical rock formations will encourage your rams to spawn, so include these if you plan on breeding them in the future.

Blue ram cichlids are often considered to be quite a difficult species to keep. In reality, this rumor is only because they require a little more work. Unlike other cichlid species, you can’t just toss them in a tank and expect them to do well. Put a little love into your ram setup and your fish will thrive.

feeding

Once again, Blue Rams break with the cliché cliché. Unlike other cichlids, rams are picky eaters and will not devour anything that is thrown in the tank. It is common knowledge that they will stop eating for a few days when first introduced into an aquarium. This is normal behavior and does not indicate that your fish are ill in any way. During those first few days/weeks, try feeding your ram a meaty, nutrient-dense food. Frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms will usually do the trick. Live Artemia are also a great treat!

Once your rams are eating evenly, slowly introduce them to cichlid flakes or pellets. Watch your rams eat and make sure they are getting enough food. They can be slow eaters, so other fish often tend to steal the food before the Rams have a chance to get some.

As with all fish, you should change their diet often to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. I suggest alternating between frozen mosquito larvae/brine shrimp, cichlid pellets, and cichlid flake food. Feeding them a wide variety of foods will also bring out their vibrant natural colors.

Breeding of Blue Ram cichlids

Blue Ram Cichlid Breeding can be an amazing process to watch and experience. In fact, Blue Ram Cichlids are one of my favorite fish to breed in home aquariums. Watching them mating, spawning and raising brood is an incredible experience matched only by their beauty. Although they can be a bit more difficult to breed than other cichlid species, with a little work you should have baby bucks in no time.

Get a breeding pair

Getting a breeding pair of Rams is one of the most difficult parts of the entire Blue Ram Cichlid Breeding process. It’s difficult to have sex exactly, but that’s just the beginning. Even if you can choose a male and a female, they may not form a breeding pair yet. Aries tend to be picky about their partners, so the pair may never procreate.

To guarantee a breeding pair, I would recommend purchasing 6-8 young bucks and raising them to sexual maturity. Since they become sexually mature so quickly, this usually doesn’t take too long. You will need a tank of at least 30 gallons for this technique as you will most likely end up with more than a pair.

As juvenile Aries mature, you will notice couples breaking away from the group and isolating themselves. After you see a pair or two form, you can remove the other rams from the tank or return them to the fish store.

Suitable tank conditions for spawning

Now that you have a pair or two, you can tidy up their environment to encourage spawning. Rams are much more likely to spawn in soft water (you can soften your water by having a good amount of peat moss in your tank!). You should increase your water temperature to around 82°. As always, make sure your water is pristine and free of nitrates. Try to avoid putting your hands in the tank or causing too much commotion. Stressed Rams never spawn.

Providing a suitable place for your rams to lay eggs is an essential part of the blue ram cichlid breeding process. Aries usually prefer a high, flat, vertically placed rock to lay their eggs. Other pairs tend to lay eggs on large leaves or patches of gravel, so be sure to include these in your aquarium for the best chance of success.

When they’re about to spawn, you’ll likely notice your rams cleaning the vertical slab of rock to prepare them for eggs. The red spot on your wife’s stomach will become lighter and she may show increased aggression. The female ram lays 150-250 eggs on average. If it’s the pair’s first egg, it can be as little as 20 eggs.

Care for Blue Ram Fry

It takes 3-5 days for your couple’s eggs to hatch into “wigglers”. These wobbles will remain at the bottom of the tank for another 3-5 days until they are finally able to swim. It is important to keep the pair with their young throughout the process as they can be quite good parents after a few trial runs. Don’t worry the first few times they eat their roasts, this is normal. You are studying!

Once your young are free-swimming, they usually stay in tight schools around their parents. During this time, the pair will raise their offspring, moving them around the tank and protecting them from other fish.

Feeding Blue Ram Fry

Feeding Blue Ram Fry can be quite a challenge. Although they can survive in the tank without special food (can eat algae and tiny creatures), the survival rate will not be very high. If you want the highest possible survival rate, you must feed Blue Ram Fry special foods.

One of the easiest foods to feed your Blue Ram Fry is egg yolk. You can get this in some bakeries or online. Mix the powdered egg yolk with a little water and squirt it into the skillet using a turkey whisk or pipette. This technique has worked wonders on more species than just bluebuck over the years. While it won’t provide them with all the nutrients they need, egg yolk powder will usually make them big enough that you can start feeding them a variety of foods.

If you are really serious about raising the fry to adulthood, try feeding them live vinegar cells. Bluebuck buns are particularly tiny, but vinegar cells are small enough to fit in your mouth and provide excellent nutrition. Raising vinegars for frying fodder requires a special setup (not difficult, but a bit time-consuming), but well worth it in the long run. Read more about how to raise live vinegars here!

Once your Blue Ram Fry has grown a bit, you should be able to start feeding the baby Artemia. Baby brine shrimp are the basic brood food for all species. So if you want to farm fish, you should be familiar with the process. Like vinegar shrimp, raising baby brine shrimp for frying requires a bit of setup and work. You can read more about the process here.

Grow the roast

When the young are about three weeks old, most breeders remove them from the main tank. This is not necessary, but some pairs will eat the brood around this time in preparation for another spawn. I generally move them to a 10 gallon grow tank.

If you decide to remove the fry, be sure to only use water from the original aquarium. Keep the water temperature the same as any variation can kill the fry. During this time I try to introduce other foods into their diet. Finely shredded flake food or pellets often work well. The fry should start eating larger amounts of food and you will find their growth explodes. They should be moved to a larger aquarium as they grow, or even sold to a local fish store. Luckily, Blue Ram Cichlids are always in high demand, so most fish shops will be happy to buy healthy fry from you!

The German ram Microgeophagus ramirezi

Author: Gio Maletti

Microgeophagus ramirezi is often misunderstood and considered difficult to keep, but when cared for properly, the ram can provide a beautiful and interesting aquarium keeping experience.

A fish that draws everyone’s attention

The German ram is one of those fish that makes you stumble at first sight. It’s the one that’s likely to elicit the most “oohs” and “aaahs” when visiting friends and family, spot it in your tank, its iridescent blue and gold flanks flashing in the light. The ram is an enduringly popular cichlid that is also widely misunderstood and has gained a reputation for being difficult to keep.

Commonly thought of as the Amazonian cichlid, the ram actually occurs naturally in the Rio Orinoco River Basin of the Llanos, a vast savanna stretching across the lowlands of Venezuela and Colombia. It is also found further afield, in the upper portions of the Orinoco River Delta.

There seems to have been some confusion with the scientific name of this species. Originally described as Apistogramma ramirezi by Myers and Harry in 1948, it was variously known as Papiliochromis ramirezi, Papilochromis ramirezi, and Microgeophagus ramirezi (with a “c”). Fortunately, Dr. Sven Kullander of the Swedish Natural History Museum put an end to all the letter swapping by declaring Microgeophagus ramirezi the scientifically correct name. M. ramirezi is a dwarf cichlid that grows no longer than 5 cm. Common names include the German blue ram and the butterfly cichlid.

water quality

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi needs soft, acidic water with a pH between 5 and 6 and temperatures of 27 to 30 °C. Aries are extremely sensitive to water quality. For this reason, waste products such as nitrates and ammonia must be reduced to an absolute minimum. The best way to achieve this is to do regular partial water changes. This should be done at least once a week. In areas where soft water doesn’t come straight from the faucet, you may need to use reverse osmosis water for your changes.

tank size

Due to their small size, rams do not require much space. For a pure species or breeding tank, 10 gallons is considered sufficient. For a more impressive biotope or community tank where you can see the nuances of more than one pair of rams interacting with the fish around them, 29 gallons is the minimum.

A Llanos biotope

Setting up a biotope for Aries is not as difficult as you think. Use a fine substrate, such as natural sand, and place round, water-worn rocks randomly on the bottom. Stick-sized pieces of driftwood can be scattered around this aquarium. True advocates choose not to use plants and add aquarium-safe tree leaves, such as oak or beech, to simulate the layer of debris that accumulates at the bottom of the river. A few handfuls should do the trick. Like all organic matter, these gradually break down in water, so water quality needs to be monitored closely. The benefit is that they help keep the water soft and acidic. Lighting should be kept moderate to subdued. Aquarium mates for this setup can include Apistogramma species, tetras like the silver hatchet Gasteropelecus sternicla, and catfish like Corydoras, Otocinclus, Hypostomus, and Farlowella.

community setups

The ram is gentle enough that it can be a great candidate for a community aquarium. However, it must be emphasized that they cannot be easily added to every community setup. The background should still be relatively fine and muted in hue and colour. Round, flat stones, such as those found in a stream, are suitable for aquascaping. Try to arrange them so that there are crevices and caves for the fish to hide in. Real driftwood is also recommended here – not only does it look great, it also helps to soften the water.

Plants that do well in warm and soft water, such as Echinodorus, Cabomba, and Nymphaea, should be used. Other fish must be carefully selected. First, they must be species that thrive in soft and acidic water. Aggressive and boisterous fish such as other cichlids and larger barbs should be avoided. Suitable tankmates can include small tetras such as neons, cardinals, and glowlights; small danios or barbs; discus Symphysodon spp.; or Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare.

Aries are considered shy and reserved Pisces. As an aside, I have a small male who has no problem chasing an angelfish 10 times his size through the tank! Like most cichlids, the ram is territorial, but most of this aggression is directed toward members of the same species (other rams). During the spawning and raising of young fish, the need for territory and aggressiveness can increase significantly. If you want to keep more than one pair of rams in the same aquarium, make sure there are enough hiding places.

feeding

Aries like to take flakes and other processed aquarium foods. But to see the color of your fish in its full glory, the addition of meaty live and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, artemia and daphnia is recommended. Aries fed these foods can glow positively and flash almost every color on the spectrum.

sexing and breeding

The accepted wisdom for getting a good breeding pair of cichlids is to buy a group of six to eight hatchlings and let nature do the rest. Over time, the fish will mate and you can move the others to another tank. This is especially helpful in a fish like Aries, which does not exhibit pronounced dimorphism between the sexes before maturity.

However, there are a few distinguishing features. In males, the first rays of the dorsal fin are elongated, forming a small crest. Unfortunately, this is not a safe method as the degree of stretching can vary from brood to brood. It’s also believed that women have rosier tummies, but I bought one on that premise and it turned out to be a particularly feisty man. In fact, most of the fish you see in dealers’ tanks are just male fish imported from the Far East. In addition, imports from the East are known for fertility problems. If you are serious about breeding this fish, you should contact your local cichlid association and get the names of a few good breeders. You will almost certainly end up with better stocks.

Aries tend to breed outdoors, on large rocks or leaves, and sometimes even the substrate. Up to 500 eggs are produced, which should be cared for by both parents – although rams are notorious egg eaters. If you want to ensure the safety of the eggs, you may need to move them to another tank and raise them yourself. If the parents are conscientious enough not to eat the eggs, they should hatch in about 60 hours and then be free-swimming for three to four days. At this point, the male usually becomes sole guardian of the young until they can fend for themselves, so the female can be transferred to another tank.

tribes

The fish described by Myers and Harry in 1948 was the German bluebuck that we know and love. Of course, we can’t let humans be good enough, and before we knew it, new strains of Aries were being developed. Most notable among these was a xanthic colormorph called gold ram; There is also a long-finned variety known variously as the lyre-tailed ram, veil-tailed ram, hi-finned ram, or long-finned ram. The golden ram has (as the name suggests) a gold pigment replacing the predominant blue on its flanks. The long-finned varieties often have a much stockier, plumper body than the regular fish. They also tend to have a swollen swim bladder which causes buoyancy issues, so check they can swim properly before buying.

Buy your ram

As previously mentioned, most of the rams you see in your dealer’s tanks are imported from the Far East, from countries like Singapore. Many of these fish are wonderful, hardy specimens. Unfortunately, many are also very weak.

Excessive linebreeding is known to increase genetic weaknesses in future generations in all species. Aries have been line bred for years to improve traits like color and shape, so some of the Pisces we see today suffer from issues like infertility and easily succumb to disease. Additionally, many of the rams shipped to this country are cubs who have not yet developed their stunning adult coloring, so they receive hormone treatments to improve their coloring prior to shipping. It is also believed to affect fertility and can cause other complications. It is believed that the best breeding specimens come from Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. But don’t forget to check if there are local breeders in your area.

Beware of wild-caught specimens

Of course, every cichlidophile’s first prize is a wild-caught specimen, and these rams are often the most spectacular of them all. But beware – a wild-caught fish has much more demanding needs than a farm-raised fish, which requires careful acclimatization and clean water conditions. And you can expect to pay a hefty premium.

Choose healthy samples

Regardless of your ram’s origin, you should be sure you’re getting the healthiest specimen available. Make sure your fish is behaving normally and eating well. Avoid fish that are too reclusive and watch for other signs of illness such as B. pinched fins and hyperventilation. Once your Aries are home, be sure to acclimate them properly. Methods of acclimatization are as diverse and eclectic as aquarists themselves, but with rams it really is best to be safe; that means making the transition from the dealer’s water to yours as gradual and smooth as possible. It is helpful to ask the dealer about the water parameters in which the fish was kept. If your water is significantly different, you can mimic its parameters in your quarantine tank and gradually adjust the parameters to yours during the quarantine period.

problems

One of the most common complaints about newly purchased Aries is their tendency to collapse and die within the first few days, often with no prior signs of illness. Proper acclimatization will go a long way in correcting this problem. Aries are also susceptible to infestations with internal and external parasites, the most common of which is Hexamita, a parasite of the gastrointestinal tract. Hexamita and other protozoa can be treated during the quarantine period with the addition of an appropriate drug. After all, longer shipping times are known to affect fish health. It’s almost always better to see how a new shipment of fish performs in the retailer’s tank before committing to a purchase.

A real gem

The ram is one of the true gems of the cichlid family. It has all the beauty, intelligence, and character of its larger brothers, with very few downsides (like rampant aggression and territoriality). It doesn’t dig like so many other cichlids, so your hardware, rocks, and plants are completely safe. With a little planning, keeping an Aries is a wonderful introduction to the fascinating world of cichlids. If you’re willing to put in that little bit of extra time and care that it takes to keep these beautiful fish, you’ll be rewarded with an experience you won’t soon forget.

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Super Blue Aries

Papliochromis ramirezi

(Microgeophagus ramirezi)

By Tony Griffitts

My favorite dwarf cichlid, the ram, is native to Venezuela and Colombia, where it inhabits clear, slow-moving waters that are very soft, acidic, and very warm. This little gem has a bad reputation for being very difficult to keep. This reputation stems more from a lack of knowledge about this small cichlid than from facts.

I have been successfully breeding and raising Rams for about three years and I have to say that most people expect too much from this cichlid. Many people have noticed that these fish don’t seem to live long after bringing them home from the aquarium store. The reason is that this fish has a very short lifespan. On average this fish only lives about a year, with the oldest ram I’ve ever had lived about 2 1/2 years. It is believed that in nature this fish is an annual fish, which is responsible for its short life span in the aquarium.

When purchasing these fish, I recommend buying 4 pairs at once and raising the offspring if you plan to keep this species in your tank for a long time. Otherwise, plan on buying and topping up your tank with these guys every 6 months. This can get a bit pricey as a good quality ram sells for around $9 each. Choose smaller rams as they will likely live longer in your tank than the large one in the dealer’s tank. One good thing about these cichlids is that they only take 2 ½ to 3 months to mature and start breeding. Yes! That’s not a typo, 2 ½ to 3 months.

In the two photos above of the Super Blue Rams, you can tell the difference between the sexes by the male’s longer dorsal and ventral fins, and the female usually has a pink belly and is stockier than the male. As you can see from these photos, the female also has a black spot down the middle of the body. Females of this strain can often have two black spots next to each other, while males mostly have no black spot.

Breeding this fish is quite simple. They prefer soft water with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. I keep my rams at a temperature of 82° to 86° F (28° to 30° C). The substrate can be a bare bottom tank or very fine gravel (#3). These fish prepare the spawning ground by either biting the hard surface or digging a shallow pit in the sand or gravel. They seem to prefer a shallow pit to a hard surface most of the time, but there are occasional exceptions. The fish lays about 100 to 400 eggs, 50% of which hatch on average in about 36 to 48 hours. The fry will swim freely in about 4 days and will need to be fed with newly hatched brine shrimp less than 24 hours old. Since the juveniles of rams are so small, not all juveniles can eat the Artemia. Those that are too small will starve to death in a few days. Normally, the juvenile fish left after a week of free swimming should have no problem leading a full life. I feed the newly hatched brine shrimp for about three weeks, then over a 4 day period wean them off the brine shrimp and a beef heart mix which they will live on for the rest of their lives.

As an aquarium companion, I like to keep my rams with discus and tetras. Rams inhabit the bottom of the tank, while discus and tetras are midwater swimmers, so there is very little conflict between the different species. Aries can easily be kept in a small 5 gallon tank but I prefer to keep them in large planted aquariums where they will accent the plants with a pop of color. Rams should not be kept with larger cichlids competing for the same floor space.

For those of you who have tried holding Aries before, I hope you feel better after reading this article. All along you probably thought this fish was difficult to keep, now hopefully you see that really wasn’t the case. Just don’t expect more from this fish than it can deliver and you’ll find it’s no harder to keep than an angelfish.

Care

The Electric Blue Ram is a tank bred color variety of the Ram. In the wild, rams are known from the Colombian and Venezuelan llanos of the Orinoco River drainage. The Llanos are a vast, regularly flooded tropical grassland plain with an amazing biodiversity and their own well-defined weather that includes dry and wet seasons. Aries are peaceful but delicate dwarf cichlid species recommended for experienced aquarists. The home aquarium should have soft, acidic water and be biologically mature before introducing these fish. Ideally there is a dark substrate and dense vegetation with plenty of hiding places/territories between rocks, driftwood, inverted flower pots, coconut shells etc. A floating plant cover could be used to diffuse the light. Peat filtration and the addition of dried Indian almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) would be beneficial to create the preferred conditions. Filtration should be efficient, but water movement gentle, and frequent partial water changes should be performed to keep nitrate to a minimum (essential to the successful keeping of this species). Aries are best kept as a male-female pair in a peaceful community environment and should not be housed with aggressive species that may bully them. Small groups of rams can be kept together, but you may find certain fish will mate and when they breed they can become a little territorial towards others. Tankmates should be small and peaceful, and good companions might include Corydoras, Beilbis, Pencilfish, Small Tetras, and Sucker Catfish.

feeding

Flakes, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, white mosquito larvae, artemia and daphnia enriched with vitamins.

breed

For breeding Electric Blue Rams, the aquarium water must be very soft (<5 dH) with a pH <7.0. The water temperature should be set at the high end of your preferred range. Females can lay up to 400 eggs (although 250 is a typical average-sized brood), which both males and females take turns guarding and fanning with their pectoral fins. These eggs should hatch in 48-72 hours and the fry will be free-swimming after 5 days. At this stage they may be offered tiny foods such as infusoria and microworms, which will progress to larger foods as they grow. The parent fish will herd the young around the tank, protecting them from potential predators. If you want to ensure a high survival rate for your eggs/brood, it would be wise to set up a dedicated rearing tank for this purpose.

The German Blue Cichlid is one of the most underrated freshwater species you can find. They’re absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and compatible with a number of different tankmates.

We have been fans of this fish for years and always encourage other aquarists to give this species a try!

But because this fish is under the radar, there’s some conflicting information when it comes to their care. From temperature to breeding practices, there are many discrepancies.

So we’re going to set the record straight.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about German Bluebuck care with information you can trust.

Summary of Species

The German bluebok (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a species of cichlid found in Colombia and Venezuela. Within this region, the entire species is found in the Orinoco River basin.

There have been some reports claiming that these fish have been found in other areas of South America. However, these cases are likely just misidentifications.

While these fish are most commonly known as German Blue Rams, there are a handful of other common names you’ll see in the aquarium scene. Among them are the Blue Ram, Butterfly Cichlid, Asiatic Ram and Ramirezi.

The waters this species prefers are slow-moving and somewhat murky. There is often a significant amount of vegetation in the area where these fish reside, helping them stay safe and find food.

Previously, these fish were considered a kind of Apistogramma. However, they have since been moved to a different classification, which is reflected in their scientific name.

life span

The average lifespan of a German Blue Ram is around 3-4 years. This assumes that you provide them with excellent care and optimal living space.

Author’s Note: This is one of the easiest cichlids to maximize lifespan. Their size, temperament, and basic grooming requirements are all very manageable.

Looks

The appearance of the German bluebok cichlid is the main thing that attracts potential owners. Their bright colors and interesting patterns are quite spectacular!

You will often see a mixture of yellow, blue, red, and orange all over the body. Most often the dominant color on the front half of their body is yellow and the dominant color on the back half is blue.

However, this may vary. There are some specimens that are more yellow in the front and back third of their body, with some faded dark blue towards the middle.

One of the most noticeable features when it comes to her beautiful colors is the black line that runs vertically across her face above her eye. This band is quite thick and cannot be overlooked. It gives them a kind of bandit look!

There are also usually some very dark blue or black spots that can be heard from the front of their dorsal fin and the center of their body. These are also quite large and usually match the color of the band over her eye.

German Blue Rams do not have these dark spots on the back half of their bodies. This area will be pretty pristine and unassuming compared to all the action that’s going on up front.

There are often some dots/spots on their fins as well (except for the pelvic fins). Mostly these are either light blue or yellow. This depends on the dominant colors of each fish.

This species has the classic fin shape you’d expect from cichlids. Although smaller, they share the same angled, semi-rectangular dorsal fin and broad, even caudal fin.

Average size

The average size of a German Bluebuck when fully grown is about 2 to 3 inches in length. Their size can be affected by a number of factors, but the two most important are how they were bred and how they are raised.

Author’s note: This is fairly small for a cichlid, making them a very approachable species if you’re short on space. Many beginners are nervous at the prospect of managing a tank larger than 70 gallons, so a small and beautiful fish like this is a good choice.

German bluebuck care

German Blue Ram Care is not something to be intimidated by. These fish are low maintenance and easy to keep due to their hardy nature and peaceful temperament.

But that still means you should take care of their basic needs. There has been quite a bit of misinformation floating around on forums regarding this species, so it’s important to understand its basic requirements.

The following sections will give you all the information you need to keep these fish happy and healthy.

tank size

The recommended tank size for German Blue Ram cichlids is 20 gallons. This gives them plenty of room to swim and explore.

We have seen many people comment that these fish do well in a 10 gallon tank. While they will technically survive, the extra space we recommend will have a significant impact on their overall health and happiness in the long run.

For most aquarists, the difference between 10 and 20 gallons isn’t that big (both in terms of cost and aquarium space considerations).

water parameters

One of the most important parts of caring for the German Bluebuck is caring for the water. While this appears to be true for all fish, this species can be particularly affected by suboptimal water conditions.

For now, stick with the following parameters.

Water Temperature: 72°F to 79°F

22°C to 24°C pH levels: 5 to 7.5 (aim for the middle)

5 to 7.5 (aim for an average value) Water hardness: 5 to 12 KH

We recommend checking the water frequently for the first few weeks of owning these fish. This will help you ensure that water conditions are stable as your fish will still adapt.

Invest in solid filtration too. Water cleanliness is extremely important for this species.

Author’s Note: It is also necessary that you perform regular partial water changes. A weekly water change of about 20% is ideal.

What to put in their tank

When decorating the interior of your aquarium, plants are the most important elements.

In their natural habitat, German Blue Rams spend most of their time hiding in vegetation. A tank that isn’t heavily planted will leave them feeling exposed (which increases their stress levels).

You have many options when it comes to the type of plants you want to include. We like water wisteria and tomentosum, but there are tons of others to choose from.

You can also consider some floating plants as this species doesn’t need a lot of light (more on that a bit below).

However, don’t overdo it with the plants. These fish still need room to swim, so don’t overcrowd!

Next comes the substrate.

While bluebucks are not true bottom dwellers, they will spend a lot of time near the substrate digging around. This is a common cichlid behavior exhibited by these little creatures quite often.

A sandy surface is usually ideal for housing them. This will prevent them from being cut or scratched when digging over. If necessary, you can also work with a fine gravel substrate.

Author’s Note: Because of this digging behavior, you must do a good job of rooting your plants. It is possible for these fish to uproot them when they churn up the substrate.

This also makes hardy plants a good choice.

German Blue Rams prefer slightly dimmer (or at least no more than moderate) lighting. Again, this is because they spend most of their time in the wild hidden in dense vegetation.

You can do this by either controlling your light source directly or by using plants to reduce the amount of light entering their area of ​​the aquarium. Both methods are fine.

Finally, it’s a good idea to have a somewhat slow flow to mimic their natural habitat. This should be easy to do no matter what setup you have.

Common possible diseases

The most serious health problem German Bluebucks are prone to is fish tuberculosis, which can be quite uncomfortable.

Many newer aquarists don’t even know it exists as it is not as common as a disease like Ich (which they can also get). Fish tuberculosis can be life-threatening and is caused by bacteria in the water.

There are a number of symptoms that will appear when your fish develops this disease. The most common are weight loss, height loss, and wounds on the body (these can become quite uncomfortable if left untreated).

In some cases, your German Blue Ram may also develop dropsy.

Treating fish TB requires the antibiotics you need to get from a veterinarian. If this unfortunate situation occurs in your aquarium, contact a veterinarian and follow their instructions.

Author’s Note: If this disease is confirmed, you must wear gloves when doing anything in the tank. The bacterium that causes tuberculosis in fish is very similar to that in humans!

As for the other common types of diseases this species might get, the best way to prevent them is by keeping your water quality in good condition.

Food & Nutrition

Feeding German bluebuck is not very demanding. These fish are omnivores and not very picky!

It’s a good idea to use some form of pellet or flake food as the basis of their diet. Any products from a quality seller will work well.

In addition, you should also give them high-protein foods. Artemia, Tubifex and mosquito larvae are all great. They provide a balance in their diet and also a small enrichment!

It’s worth noting that these fish can be a bit picky when they’re still adjusting to their tank. When this happens, you may find that feeding them is a bit difficult.

To get around this, we recommend giving them more of the frozen high protein foods mentioned above. This will usually snap her out of her fear and get her to eat again.

Behavior & Temperament

One of the great things about German Blue Rams is their peaceful nature. These fish are very gentle and just want to do their own thing.

This makes them great for community tanks as there is a long list of potential tankmates you can keep them with (more on that in the next section).

You will often see these fish hiding among the plants or digging through the substrate. They are an interesting mix of shy and inquiring!

You’ll usually see them in the bottom half of the aquarium, but it’s not out of the question that they’ll visit the top half and look at things. This makes them quite a fun fish to watch.

tankmates

Thanks to the peaceful nature of this fish, the list of potential German Blue Ram tankmates is quite long. You’ll get along with pretty much anyone!

The general rule to follow when thinking about tankmates is size and temperament. This species gets along best with other small fish that don’t want to cause trouble.

Any large or aggressive fish should be avoided at all costs.

Here are some good tankmates to get you started:

German blue rams also get along with all types of freshwater aquarium snails. You will leave the little critters alone and go about their business! You can also keep shrimp like the Amano or Red Cherry.

Author’s Note: If you intend to keep more than one German Bluebuck in the same aquarium, it is best to limit the number to two. This helps discourage territorial behavior (especially if you keep two males together).

If you keep two males together, make sure you also increase the tank size to at least 40 gallons.

German bluebuck breed

Breeding German Bluebuck is very easy. There are a number of advantages this species has when it comes to being bred in captivity.

If you want to maximize your chances, get some hatchlings and let them become a mating pair. This isn’t 100% necessary, but it makes things a lot easier.

These fish also become sexually mature at a very young age. After about 6 months they are ready!

For tank conditions, start with groundwater parameters and gradually increase the temperature. By only 2-3 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help mimic the natural conditions of the breeding season.

It’s important to have some flat rocks in the breeding tank as well. Your blue rams will use these surfaces as places for their eggs.

It’s a good idea to keep these fish alone if attempting to breed them. While they are usually peaceful, breeding makes them territorial and can lead them to prey on other fish.

Once the process has begun, it should only take 3-4 days for the eggs to hatch. Then in less than a week the fry will be swimming around!

We recommend feeding the little babies Artemia. This food packs a punch and gives them the nutrients they need to grow.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide to bluebok care has shown you what a wonderful fish this species can be. When other aquarists flock to the more popular freshwater creatures, they miss out on all the amazing things this fish has to offer!

We plan to keep these fish for quite a while. Once you get used to them, the thought of a less colorful (and not as easy to care for) species doesn’t seem appealing at all.

If you’re interested in learning more about the German Bluebuck and want to ask us a few questions, get in touch with us on social media. We love discussing aquaristics with our readers!

German blue rams are among the smallest cichlids commonly available. While they’re not nearly as feisty as some of their larger relatives, you’ll want to be a little careful about what fish you’re keeping with them. Here are my top 10 suggestions for your next German Blue Ram tank mates!

Top 10 German Blue Ram Tank Mates

Here are 10 of our favorite Ram cichlid tank mates:

Celestial Pearl Danio

Danios as a group are excellent German Blue Ram tankmates. Peaceful, active and robust, they will find a place in every aquarium.

While zebra and giant rasbora are some of the most popular species, have you considered something more exotic? The Celestial Pearl Danio (or Galaxy Rasbora) is a vividly patterned species that’s a bit shyer than the others but offers a definite boost in color.

They were only discovered in 2006 and are now very popular, especially for planted aquascapes. Like all danios, the males are displayed and parsed, but never harmed one another. Celestial Pearls should be kept in shoals of at least 6 individuals and fed with a mixture of ready-made and frozen food such as Artemia!

Scientific name: Danio margaritatus

Danio margaritatus Origin: Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia Size: 1½-2 inches

1½-2 inches Temperament: Peaceful; training

Apistogramma dwarf cichlids

Apistogramma, like Blue Rams, are South American natives. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water chemistry (pH 6.0-7.0) but don’t need particularly soft conditions to reproduce.

Some of the easiest to find are Apistogramma cacatuoides and A. borelli, but not only are there multiple species, there are also many aquarium bred and regional color morphs to choose from!

As micropredators, in addition to the usual prepared options, Apistogramma require a variety of small live and frozen invertebrates. Although Apistogramma are not particularly aggressive, they are still cichlids. They are territorial and will occasionally prey on intruders, particularly other cichlids such as Blue Rams.

And if you breed, expect the pair to become even more intolerant. As long as your tank is larger than 20 gallons and you have plenty of plants and rocks to break line of sight, your breeding Apistos shouldn’t give your other fish too much time.

Scientific name: Apistogramma sp.

Apistogramma sp. Origin: South America

South America Size: 2-3 inch

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

killifish

Killifish are among my favorite but least appreciated fish. Because they have unusual breeding habits and a short lifespan, most annual killifish tend to be rare in the hobby. Annuals come from seasonal streams and ponds that dry up part of the year.

As a result, their motto is Live Big and Live Fast; They grow from drought-resistant eggs to sexually mature adults in just a few weeks!

Other killifish are semi-annual to not annual: they come from settled waters and, like most fish, are egg litterers. These killis also tend to live longer as a result. Almost all killifish are tiny carnivores that prey on worms, plankton, and tiny crustaceans.

Scientific name: Order Cyprinodontiformes

Order Cyprinodontiformes Origin: Worldwide

Worldwide Size: Variable

Variable Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

betta fish

Bettas are some of the most popular fish in the world and one that would make a good German Blue Ram tankmate. Aquarists see bettas in their solitary cups and assume they are too aggressive to live alongside other fish.

The truth is that Bettas are mostly aggressive towards each other and mostly male to male. They mostly ignore other fish except when defending a bubble nest. Bettas occasionally need to be defended as many fish find their flowing fins to be tempting targets.

German bluebuck are not large pincers, but barbel and larger tetras often are. Female Bettas and Wild Type Bettas might be better choices if your rams are a bit more aggressive!

Scientific name: Betta splendens

Betta splendens Origin: Thailand

Thailand size: 2-3 inch

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

Gold Tetra

Golden tetras are among my favorite tetras: they are as beautiful as neon tetras and cardinal tetras, but unusual enough to warrant a second look from experienced aquarists. The gold dust color actually comes from guanine, which is secreted by specialized cells to ward off skin parasites.

Gold tetras can be a little more sensitive as many are wild caught fish. Wild fish are easily stressed by sudden changes in water chemistry or poor quality food. Try to keep conditions as close to the Amazon as possible: pH 5.5-7.0, elevated temperatures (78-82F), and soft water.

It is worth noting that the gold dust color is strongest in wild specimens. Tank bred fish and 1st generation juveniles tend to be less intensely colored. The reasons are not fully understood, but it is suspected that the relative lack of parasites in aquaria does not provide the necessary stimuli for the gold dust color to fully express itself.

Scientific name: Hemigrammus rodwayi

Hemigrammus rodwayi Origin: South America

South America Size: 1½ inch

1½ in. Temperament: Peaceful; training

Rummy nasal tetra

Rummy-nosed tetras are another slightly unusual species for aquarists looking for something other than neons or serpae tetras. Like most tetras, they make good tankmates for German blue rams: they are peaceful, schooling, and avid eaters of anything appropriately sized.

Rummy-nosed tetras are blackwater fish; They prefer very warm, very soft, acidic water for best color and breeding (pH 4.0-6.0, temperature 80-84F). Today, however, many are tank grown and will tolerate conditions down to neutral and even slightly alkaline.

Other blackwater fish that can live with them as well as German blue rams include bristle catfish, discus and cardinal tetras!

Scientific name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Hemigrammus rhodostomus Origin: South America

South America Size: 2 inches

2 inches Temperament: Peaceful; training

Cow loach

Bottom dwellers are sometimes neglected in favor of the individual catfish as algae eaters. However, the Kuhli Loach is an interesting choice for the small fish community aquarium. These worm-like fish like nothing better than heavily planted, fine-grained substrates to root through in search of Tubifex worms and lost flakes or pellets.

Keep in mind that they are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) so you may not see them often. And if your substrate is fine enough, you may not see them for days, only to be suddenly surprised when your cow gets hungry enough to eat during the day.

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Instead of leaving them scrounging and starving, set out sinking waffles before the lights go out. Kuhlis also like frozen invertebrates like mosquito larvae and artemia, which provide extra fat and protein to boost egg production!

Scientific name: Pangio kuhlii

Pangio kuhlii Origin: Malaysia & Indonesia

Malaysia & Indonesia Size: 4 inches

4 inches Temperament: Peaceful; Shy

golden mullet

While the wild gold mullet is a greenish, muted species, the variety commonly seen in shops was originally cultivated in China, home of the equally colorful goldfish. And like goldfish, gold barbs are omnivores, eating anything small enough: detritus, soft plants, invertebrates… It’s all fair game!

Combined with their hardiness and ease of breeding, it’s no wonder the golden mullet is so popular. They also do not lose their metallic luster, in contrast to golden tetras.

Gold barbs can be a bit shy at times, so provide them with plenty of plants, either live or plastic, to hide in. They also form schools of fish; A group of 4-6 individuals will be much more willing to explore outdoors than a single solitary barbel.

Scientific name: Barbodes semifasciolatus

Barbodes semifasciolatus Origin: Red River, Southeast Asia

Red River, Southeast Asia Size: 2-3 inches

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful

dwarf gourami

Most of the smaller Gourami species are great German Blue Ram tankmates: Honey, Chocolate, Sparkling and more. However, the pygmy gourami is both the easiest to find and the most colorful.

Many of their color morphs look very similar to German Blue Rams, including the Powder Blue morph. Dwarf gouramis are midwater to surface dwelling fish and are very peaceful even when breeding. Males show off to each other and potential mates, but rarely harm each other.

If you decide to breed them you will need still surface water so as not to disturb their fragile bubble nests. Dwarf gouramis also come in a variety of color morphs; from Sunset and Powder Blue to the wild type variety are all striking.

Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius

Trichogaster lalius Origin: South Asia

South Asia Size: 2-3 inches

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful

Dwarf Otocinclus

Dwarf Otocinclus are among the best algae eaters for small community fish tanks. They are not nearly as territorial as larger sucker catfish and prefer to be kept in small groups.

Like most loricariids, pygmy otos are predominantly vegetarian: Algae, slightly decayed plant parts, biofilms and blanched vegetables are eaten with pleasure!

Make sure to give regular supplemental feeds once the algae are low. Otos get nice round bellies like a tadpole when full, so make sure they’re not looking crafty all the time.

Getting them to breed in aquariums is difficult, but not impossible. They need soft water conditions, lots of algae to graze on, and thick live plants to disperse their eggs. Fully grown planted aquascapes are the best place to breed otos!

Scientific Name: Otocinclus vittatus & related species

Otocinclus vittatus & related species Origin: South America

South America Size: 1 to 1½ inches

1 to 1½ in. Temperament: Peaceful; training

RAM selection

Suffolk x Hampshire Ram lamb

Texel ram

RR ram lamb

The “business” end

Scottish blackface ram

Romanov Aries

Dorper ram

autumn breeding

Hair Sheep Ram Lambs

Dorset ram

Overconditioned Aries

supplementary feeding

Dorper ram lambs

Wooly Balls

Katahdin Ram Lambs

Use of ram lamb for breeding

Sell ​​sheep lambs

Flehmen’s answer

Ram lamb with marking harness

His first offspring

Reproduction in Aries The ram is the most important member of the herd but is often the most neglected. Not only does he contribute most of the genetics to the flock, but his success as a breeder will go a long way in ensuring a profitable lamb crop. puberty

Puberty is the age when the ram’s reproductive organs become functional, his secondary sexual characteristics develop, and he is ready to successfully mate with ewes. Most ram lambs reach puberty by 5 to 7 months of age at approximately 50 to 60 percent of their mature weight. The onset of puberty is influenced by race, genetics, and diet. Ram lambs on a low nutritional level may not reach puberty until they are 12 months or older. Some breeds reach puberty earlier than other breeds: productive breeds and hairy sheep. Rams from meat breeds tend to reach puberty earlier than wool breeds. spermatogenesis

Sperm is the male reproductive cell. Sperm production takes about 49 days (7 weeks) in the buck. Sperm is produced in the testicles of the ram. Research has shown that the larger the testicles (scrotum size), the more sperm a ram will produce. If the ram’s testicles are too small, he may not produce enough sperm during the breeding season to maintain a good fertilization rate. The epididymis stores and transports semen. -= A large, firm tail indicates good reserves, while a small, soft tail would indicate the opposite.

Diet can have a dramatic impact on testicle size. Research has shown that improving food intake during the two months prior to breeding can increase testicular size and subsequent sperm production by up to 100 percent. At the same time, overfeeding can have a detrimental effect on sperm production. For normal sperm production to take place, the testicles must be several degrees below normal body temperature. Aries has large sweat glands in the skin of the scrotum and a muscular system that raises or lowers the testicles into the body for temperature regulation.

Sperm standards for rams percent motility 30-70% normal morphology 30-50 leukocytes > 5 Brucella ovis negative Source: Sheep Production Handbook (2002) Seasonal Effects on Reproduction

Sheep native to temperate climates are usually fairly seasonal in their breeding habits, although rams are less affected than ewes. A ram’s testicle size, sperm production, and mating capacity vary by season and are at their highest during the normal fall breeding season.

Some breeds are much less seasonal in their breeding behavior: Dorset, Rambouillet, Merino, Polypay, Finnsheep, Romanov, and Hair Sheep. Temperature is also a seasonal component affecting fertility in Aries. Even a half degree change in body temperature can reduce spermatogenesis and/or libido. pairing

A ewe in heat (estrus) generally seeks out the ram. She will sniff and chase him. The ram responds to urination by the estrus ewe by sniffing, stretching out its leg, and pursing its lip. Lip curling is called the “Flehmen reaction”. If the female is receptive, she will be available to mate. The ram may fail in several initial attempts to mount the ewe. He can repeatedly mate the same ewe. Aries tend to select older ewes over younger ewes, and will sometimes choose ewes of their own breed over ewes of another breed. Some producers prefer to use one ram per ewe group. Usually, when more than one ram is used, the older rams will dominate the younger rams and may prevent the less dominant rams from reproducing. The rams can fight at the expense of mating ewes. It will be more difficult to spot infertile bucks or male-oriented bucks in multiple father situations. In large herds, multi-father matings are usually necessary. On the other hand, single-sire matings run the risk of low conception rates or a prolonged lambing season when using a ram with reduced fertility or libido. breeding suitability test

Preparing a ram for breeding should begin well in advance of the breeding season. You should never wait until the last minute with the purchase, selection or breeding maturity test of rams. Rams should be purchased at least a few months before the start of the breeding season. The purpose of a breeding suitability test (BSE) is to assess a ram’s potential breeding potential. While only a small percentage of Aries are infertile, many Aries have reduced fertility. Research has shown that 10 to 15 percent of rams who get BSE fail or have questionable fertility. BSE should be carried out by a veterinarian or other trained person.

BSE consists of two parts: a physical examination and a semen assessment. Rams should be checked for lameness, body condition, and other physical defects that may interfere with the breeding process. Rams must be free from foot rot or scalded feet and if necessary have their hooves trimmed before being introduced to ewes. The general health of the ram should be assessed by examining the eyes, feet, legs, foreskin and penis for any defects that may affect breeding.

The testicles and epididymis should be palpated. A testicle that has scar tissue or is abnormally small reduces the Aries’ reproductive capacity and stamina. Swelling of the epididymis can be an early sign of epididymitis (Brucella ovis). testicle circumference

Testicle circumference (width of the testicles at the widest point) should be measured as it gives a good indication of a ram’s breeding potential. Sperm production correlates directly (85%) with testicular width. Scrotal circumference varies with season and body condition, but should peak during the autumn breeding season.

Rams with a scrotum circumference of less than 30 centimeters and adult rams with a scrotum circumference of less than 32 centimeters should probably not be used for breeding. There is evidence that rams with larger testicles produce more productive ewes and that their offspring reach puberty earlier. Increased scrotal circumferences have been linked to increased ejaculate volume and sperm motility in mature rams. The heritability of scrotal circumference is estimated at 35%.

Testicle Circumference (cm)

Unsatisfactory Questionable Satisfactory Excellent Ram lambs, 8-14 months < 26 27-29 30-36 > 36 Adult rams, > 14 months < 29 30-32 33-40 > 40 Source: Testing Rams for Breeding Soundness, 2017 While the chart above can provide some general guidelines, it’s important to understand that scrotum circumference can vary significantly by age, breed, and season. There is a correlation between scrotum circumference and body weight in all breeds. Differences of up to 30 percent have been observed in spring and autumn in rams. The table was developed for US range rams. Standards may differ for smaller breeds or breeds in other countries. For example, Swedish researchers recommended a minimum scrotum size of 26 and 28 cm for ram lambs and adult Gotland rams, respectively. In the UK there are different standards for lowland and hill breeds. Semen samples can be obtained by electroejaculation or via an artificial vagina. Veterinary assistance is usually required for seed collection. Sperm should be examined for sperm motility, morphology, and white blood cells. The minimum acceptable standards are adequate overall motility or 30 percent individual motility and 70 percent normal morphology. White blood cells in the semen are an indication of an infection (e.g. epididymitis). BSE does not include an assessment of a ram’s sex drive or breeding behavior. Libido (sex drive)

Willingness to breed ewes varies widely among rams and can have a major impact on sheep production, especially in a one-sire mating. Libido is an Aries’ desire to mate. It is regulated by the release of testosterone, which is produced by specialized cells in the testicles. Some Aries breeds exhibit libido almost continuously once they hit puberty. In other breeds, there is a significant drop in libido outside of the breeding season. Malnourished and overfat Aries can show decreased libido. A ram’s desire to mate also decreases with age and disease conditions such as arthritis. Some Aries have a naturally low libido. In fact, studies have shown that up to 15 percent (an average of 8 to 10 percent) of rams are homosexual and do not mate with ewes. Unlike heterosexual males, male-oriented rams do not experience an LH surge when exposed to oestrus. They also have a reduced capacity to produce testosterone.

Animal scientists hope to develop a blood test that would identify rams that don’t mate with ewes. There is some evidence that raising rams in an all-male environment can have an adverse effect on mating behavior. A “test of inertia” can be performed to determine a ram’s desire to mate with ewes. In a carrying capacity test, rams are exposed to mating sheep and their breeding activity is recorded over a period of two weeks or more. Research has shown that a serving capacity test is useful for identifying underperforming and high-performing rams.

Aries capacity can be influenced in utero by the number and sex of siblings. Aries born as co-twins have been shown to have the highest serving capacity and Aries born alone have the lowest. In another study, long-term selection in reproductive rate in ewes did not affect mating behavior in male offspring. However, service ability or breeding behavior is a heritable trait. The easiest way for a producer to assess mating behavior is to observe breeding performance when rams are exposed to ewes. Use of raddle paint (on the chest) or a marking harness can be used to monitor brood activity. The color of the paint or marker crayon should be changed every 17 days, starting with the lightest color first. If a ram is not marking ewes, he may lack the desire to mate and should be replaced. If a high percentage of ewes re-mark after the first 17-day estrus cycle, it means the ram will mate with the ewes, but they will not conceive. If there are more than a few ewes, it is probably the result of a subfertile or sterile ram.

Ram management

A ram can lose up to 15 percent of its body weight during the breeding season. Therefore, the bucks must be in good physical condition at the time of breeding (condition grade 3 to 4). Skinny rams (condition score 1 or 2) may have difficulty rearing the ewes, while fat rams (condition score 5) may be too lazy to breed and their fertility may be affected in hot weather.

Bucks should be clipped, treated for internal parasites (if necessary), their paws trimmed, and started 2 to 4 weeks before breeding on the diet they will consume during breeding. They should be included in the herd vaccination program. Aries Ewe Relationship

The number of ewes a ram can raise in a 34 or 51 day breeding season will vary depending on the ram’s age and breeding experience, the terrain the ram is working in, the size of the pasture and the number of ewes that will be on cycling once. A ram can normally mate 3 to 4 ewes per day. In general, the recommended ratio for adult rams is 1:35 to 1:50. In large herds, the proportion of rams to ewes is often higher. Gear ratios of 1:100 or 1:150 are not uncommon. Even higher ratios have been reported in the literature for experienced adult rams mating adult ewes on small pastures. On the other hand, when heat has been synchronized, more ram output is required, generally one ram for every 5 to 10 ewes. Recommended ratio of ram to ewe Adult ram 1:35 to 1:50* Ram lamb 1:15 to 1:30 Synchronous mating 1:5 to 1:10 *possibly higher Ram lambs

A ram at 5 months old will settle some ewes, but he will be a better breeder by the time he is 7 or 8 months old. As a general rule of thumb, ram lambs should be 50 to 60 percent of their adult weight before being used for breeding. An adult ram lamb should be able to mate with 15 to 30 ewes in a 34 day incubation period.

Ram lambs should be fed separately from adult rams. Ram lambs and adult rams should never be kept together in the same breeding group. The older Aries will dominate and may hurt the younger Aries. Ram lambs should be closely watched to monitor their breeding behavior and libido to ensure they are nursing ewes and settling. The Ram Effect

The “Aries Effect” occurs when non-cycled (anestrus) ewes are stimulated to ovulate by the sudden introduction of a fertile ram or “teaser” ram. Aries produce a chemical called a pheromone, the smell of which stimulates the onset of heat. When sheep and rams are in constant contact (sight or smell), the pheromones are much less effective at inducing heat.

Ewes that do not cycle when a ram (or teaser) is introduced will ovulate in 3 to 4 days. This first ovulation is a “silent” heat that cannot be noticed by the Aries. After this silent heat there are two normal heat peaks, with some ewes running around day 18 and the rest around day 25. Ewes that do not conceive at any of these times can come back into heat in an additional 17 days. It is expected that 60 to 70 percent of ewes will conceive at the first normal heat. Of the remaining ewes, 60 to 70 percent should conceive on the second heat. Although recommendations vary, rams should be isolated from ewes for at least 6 weeks for the ram effect to work. Ewes are not allowed visual, auditory or olfactory contact with rams, which means they must be separated by distance.

The Aries effect is not as effective in lambs and is most effective during the transition period when the sheep have not yet started the cycle but are almost ready to do so. The Aries breed can affect the ewes’ response to the Aries effect, with the less seasonal breeds being more effective at getting non-cycling ewes into heat. Older rams are more effective at inducing heat than younger rams. The greatest value of the Aries effect is the synchronization of estrous activity, which results in large numbers of ewes ovulating, conceiving, and lambing in a relatively short period of time. To be effective, it is important to have a sufficient number of young, healthy rams. Teaser (vasectomized) rams or maces treated with testosterone can also stimulate the ram effect. Year-Round Breeding It is recommended that rams and ewes be kept separate except during planned breeding seasons, typically for two (no more than three) periods of heat (~34-51 days). If a ram is allowed to walk continuously with the ewes, the shepherd has no control over breeding. Lambs can be born at undesirable times. Ewes can be bred when they are in poor physical condition. Aries is allowed to beget his daughters and mother. Undersized lambs may be bred. Because rearing and lambing times are unknown, it will be difficult to properly plan for vaccinations, supplemental feeding, and other management practices. Ewes are at different stages of pregnancy and lactation, so feeding them to meet their nutritional needs will be difficult. Some will likely be overfed; others, malnourished. The “ram effect” cannot be exploited when rams and ewes are constantly mixed. A ram kept with ewes is likely to be overfed as a ram does not require such a concentrated diet as pregnant and lactating ewes. Some rams can be too aggressive to be kept with pregnant ewes. In less developed countries they created an “apron” to prevent rams from fertilizing ewes during interbreeding. The apron is a flat piece of plastic or leather that drapes around the ram’s belly just behind the front legs. By putting the apron on the ram/rams, all the sheep in a single flock can be led and breeding controlled by the shepherd.

Causes of ram infertility

Infertility or reduced fertility in Aries can have many causes: e.g. poor semen quality, poor libido, physical defects, illness, poor diet, injuries, heat stress, body condition and age. heat stress

Sperm production is adversely affected when the temperature in the testicles cannot be kept low enough due to hot weather: above 30°C for long periods or short periods of very high temperatures, 100°F or more). Fully developed sperm are less affected by heat stress than developing sperm. To prevent heat stress, rams should not have a full coat during the breeding season. They should be clipped 6 to 8 weeks before breeding. The scrotum should be free of wool. Sufficient shade and water should be provided during the breeding season. In extreme circumstances, rams may be housed during the hottest part of the day and exposed for breeding during the cooler part of the day, due to epididymitis

Epididymitis caused by Brucella ovis is a common cause of ram infertility, especially in experience. It is more common in rams in the western United States. The disease usually affects the tail of the epididymis (the bump on the underside of the testicle), which becomes hard and swollen. It can affect one or both sides and cause partial or full fertility. Transmission can be from ram to ram, from ram to ewe, or from ewe to ram. Infected rams usually produce lower quality semen, making them either subfertile or sterile depending on the location and severity of the lesions. Epididymitis can be diagnosed by palpation of the scrotum, a blood test, or a semen exam. There is a commercial vaccine against epididymitis. Its use is recommended when the risk of epididymitis is high. There are recommended protocols for eliminating epididymitis from a flock. pizza rot

Pizzle (or vaginal rot) is a vaginal infection and could affect brood activity. Pizzle rot is caused by a bacterium, Corynebacterium renale (or one of this group). The other factor is a high-protein diet (>16 percent crude protein). Ammonia, produced by excess urea in the ram’s urine, can cause severe irritation and ulceration of the skin around the preputial opening. The debris from the ulcer forms a crust that can block the opening to the foreskin. cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Cryptorchids are unwanted breeding animals. If both testicles are affected, the ram is infertile. If only one testicle is affected, the ram can be fertile, but he will pass the genetics for the trait to his offspring.

Rams usually reach their highest breeding output at the age of 3 to 4 years. In commercial situations, they are usually culled at 6 years of age. Older rams can be used to hand-mate a small number of ewes.

<== SHEEP 201 INDEX

When buying a new RAM kit or looking to upgrade your existing one, a common question comes up: can you mix RAM modules?

In order to achieve both memory compatibility and synchronicity, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure your system is operating at the best possible memory performance.

In this article, we answer the above question and all questions related to installing additional RAM on a PC system that already has RAM.

We will also provide suggestions for those who are creating a new setup and want to plan on purchasing their system’s RAM.

Can you mix different brands of RAM?

In short, the answer to this question is yes.

Regardless of the RAM brand, speed, and size, you can theoretically mix and match RAM in your system. although it might prove problematic.

Depending on your setup and workload, you might not even notice a performance difference.

The only RAM characteristic that is sure to cause incompatibility between RAM modules is the memory type. RAM sticks of different generations – like DDR3 vs. DDR4 – do not work together.

However, there are many additional factors that must be considered in order to achieve satisfactory results – some of which may be inherently luck dependent.

For this reason, it is generally not advisable to try to build such a setup – but it is possible.

Why can mixing brands become a problem?

Every manufacturer develops their RAM sticks differently. They use different memory controllers, different chips, different materials, PCBs, and different custom circuits.

These are all variables that may ultimately prove benign, but there are instances where a conflict in these customizations will result in stuttering, crashing, or even an inability to fully boot the system.

RAM kits (modules sold in the same package) are factory tested to work in sync with each other and not with other RAM brands or models.

Mixing different RAM kits is usually a problem related to a system upgrade. This means that multiple DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) slots are used.

The more slots that are occupied, the higher the chance that these hardware conflicts between brands will occur.

Other factors to consider

It’s not just the different brand-defining characteristics that can cause inherent problems when it comes to RAM modules, as these complications can be compounded by other factors.

voltage

First, the voltage requirements of RAM modules vary. Having two different voltage requirements results in the more power intensive RAM unit being given less voltage than is necessary to keep it at its full potential.

This does not mean that the RAM module is not working, but that it may not be doing so at its peak frequency and stability.

Single vs. dual channel memory

Another factor that can affect performance is how the memory is configured in the RAM slots.

Single and multi-channel memory platforms operate differently, and while the difference doesn’t affect the majority of users, it can significantly affect some.

Ultimately, for those who have a PC for gaming, surfing, or undemanding workloads, the difference between single and dual channel bandwidths is negligible.

However, when it comes to demanding workloads like 3D rendering, simulations, or video editing, benchmarks have proven that dual-channel memory increases performance by up to 20%.

Depending on the size and number of RAM sticks, the memory is configured in different multi-channel setups.

This can result in part of the RAM operating in single-channel mode if it cannot be paired with other equivalent memory.

storage capacity

As already mentioned, RAM sticks of different sizes can become a problem when it comes to the overall memory configuration.

When a larger capacity RAM module is paired with smaller memory units, the memory channels are paired asynchronously.

This is also known as Flex mode.

This asynchronous dual-channel configuration allows the smaller-capacity memory unit to be paired with half the memory of the larger module.

For example, if you pair an 8GB RAM stick with a 16GB RAM stick, 8GB of the 16GB module will be paired with the 8GB stick in an asynchronous dual-channel configuration.

The remaining eight GB of RAM on the 16 GB stick are operated in single-channel mode.

Benchmarks run by Linus Tech Tips show us that there is actually little to no impact on performance in this configuration; depending on the workload.

Speed: frequency and latency

Where things fall apart when it comes to mixing different RAM kits is the speed of the modules. Although you can mix RAM kits with different speeds, whether they work or not is a coin toss.

Even if you configure the kits to run at the speed of the slowest module, you’re still likely to run into problems. The speed of a memory depends on two factors: the RAM frequency and its latency.

The relationship between the two is as follows:

The absolute latency of a RAM stick (measured in nanoseconds) is calculated by multiplying the reciprocal of the clock speed (in cycles) divided by two.

For example, a RAM kit with a clock frequency of 3,600 MHz and a CAS of 16 cycles has an absolute latency of 16/(3,600,000,000/2); which corresponds to about 8.89 ns. (Of course you can always use a latency calculator if you don’t want to do the math yourself).

This is important because it shows us that the mixed memory units must not only have a relevant RAM frequency but also a relevant CAS latency (CL).

This is relatively easy to do with two sticks of RAM, but problems will almost certainly arise if three or four DIMM slots are occupied.

Why should you buy your entire RAM capacity in a single kit?

With all of the above factors in mind, it’s easy to see why many advocate buying identical sticks of RAM in a single kit for optimal performance.

Of course, this is easier said than done, as at some point you will want to upgrade your system’s RAM, which means increasing the memory’s storage size or speed.

The best way to avoid these upgrade hassles is to plan and buy your memory based on what works best for your CPU model and workloads.

Luckily, there are some guidelines that can help you determine the optimal RAM specs for your CPU.

This way you can simply buy more identical sticks of RAM when upgrading.

Planning your storage configuration

Depending on the manufacturer of your CPU, the optimal specifications differ.

If you’re wondering how much memory you should buy, it depends on the workload you want to handle.

For example, 32 to 64 GB of RAM is recommended for video editing, while 16 GB is sufficient for gaming.

AMD

For AMD processors, the best RAM speed to aim for is twice the Infinity Fabric’s internal frequency – also known as FCLK or Fclock. This double data rate ensures a level of synchronicity between your CPU and RAM that yields optimal performance.

For Zen 2 and Zen 3 CPUs, the FCLK is 1800 MHz; Therefore, a 3,600MHz CL-16 RAM kit is a future-proof speed metric.

This kit speed has proven to outperform a 3200MHz CL-14 kit despite having a greater absolute latency metric (8.89ns vs. 8.75ns).

Note that the FCLK value can be overclocked; So if your workload requires faster frequencies, you can purchase kits that have a data rate of twice the overclocked FCLK value.

For a full breakdown of the best memory for AMD CPUs, see our dedicated article.

Also, it must be noted that Samsung’s B-die has proven to be the best RAM die for AMD processors.

intel

Buying RAM sticks for an Intel CPU is also quite easy as they have been compared and factory tested to a specific RAM kit speed: 3200MHz CL 14.

These specs match Intel’s internal tests, so this speed can safely be called the sweet spot for Intel CPUs.

Conclusion

All in all, it is always advisable to go for a single RAM kit when looking to upgrade your PC’s memory.

However, it is understandable that this does not always match the allocated budget as well as your current needs.

If you’re planning to build a new PC, make sure you purchase future-proof RAM specs so future upgrades can be a seamless process.

If your PC already has a RAM kit that’s slower than you’d like, you can always buy additional RAM and experiment with adding it to your PC until you can replace the older memory.

Remember, the more factors you can eliminate, the better chance you have for optimal compatibility.

FAQ

Can you mix DDR3 and DDR4 RAM?

No, you cannot mix RAM modules from different generations. DDR3 and DDR4 RAM are not physically compatible.

Can you mix different RAM frequencies?

You can mix RAM modules with different frequencies, but it might turn out to be problematic. All RAM modules must always run at the same frequency, which means they try to run on the lowest common denominator.

However, because different types of RAM modules support specific latencies at different frequencies, they may not sync properly, causing stability issues or preventing you from fully starting or booting your system.

Can you mix RAM modules with different sizes?

As long as the frequency, brand, latency, and ranks of your RAM modules match, mixing different RAM capacities shouldn’t be a problem in most cases.

over to you

Do you plan to mix different RAM modules? Has it worked for you in the past or has it been problematic? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re having trouble setting up your RAM, you can also always contact the experts on our forum.

Care

The Electric Blue Ram is a tank bred color variety of the Ram. In the wild, rams are known from the Colombian and Venezuelan llanos of the Orinoco River drainage. The Llanos are a vast, regularly flooded tropical grassland plain with an amazing biodiversity and their own well-defined weather that includes dry and wet seasons. Aries are peaceful but delicate dwarf cichlid species recommended for experienced aquarists. The home aquarium should have soft, acidic water and be biologically mature before introducing these fish. Ideally there is a dark substrate and dense vegetation with plenty of hiding places/territories between rocks, driftwood, inverted flower pots, coconut shells etc. A floating plant cover could be used to diffuse the light. Peat filtration and the addition of dried Indian almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) would be beneficial to create the preferred conditions. Filtration should be efficient, but water movement gentle, and frequent partial water changes should be performed to keep nitrate to a minimum (essential to the successful keeping of this species). Aries are best kept as a male-female pair in a peaceful community environment and should not be housed with aggressive species that may bully them. Small groups of rams can be kept together, but you may find certain fish will mate and when they breed they can become a little territorial towards others. Tankmates should be small and peaceful, and good companions might include Corydoras, Beilbis, Pencilfish, Small Tetras, and Sucker Catfish.

feeding

Flakes, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, white mosquito larvae, artemia and daphnia enriched with vitamins.

breed

For breeding Electric Blue Rams, the aquarium water must be very soft (<5 dH) with a pH <7.0. The water temperature should be set at the high end of your preferred range. Females can lay up to 400 eggs (although 250 is a typical average-sized brood), which both males and females take turns guarding and fanning with their pectoral fins. These eggs should hatch in 48-72 hours and the fry will be free-swimming after 5 days. At this stage they may be offered tiny foods such as infusoria and microworms, which will progress to larger foods as they grow. The parent fish will herd the young around the tank, protecting them from potential predators. If you want to ensure a high survival rate for your eggs/brood, it would be wise to set up a dedicated rearing tank for this purpose.

German blue rams are among the smallest cichlids commonly available. While they’re not nearly as feisty as some of their larger relatives, you’ll want to be a little careful about what fish you’re keeping with them. Here are my top 10 suggestions for your next German Blue Ram tank mates!

Top 10 German Blue Ram Tank Mates

Here are 10 of our favorite Ram cichlid tank mates:

Celestial Pearl Danio

Danios as a group are excellent German Blue Ram tankmates. Peaceful, active and robust, they will find a place in every aquarium.

While zebra and giant rasbora are some of the most popular species, have you considered something more exotic? The Celestial Pearl Danio (or Galaxy Rasbora) is a vividly patterned species that’s a bit shyer than the others but offers a definite boost in color.

They were only discovered in 2006 and are now very popular, especially for planted aquascapes. Like all danios, the males are displayed and parsed, but never harmed one another. Celestial Pearls should be kept in shoals of at least 6 individuals and fed with a mixture of ready-made and frozen food such as Artemia!

Scientific name: Danio margaritatus

Danio margaritatus Origin: Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia Size: 1½-2 inches

1½-2 inches Temperament: Peaceful; training

Apistogramma dwarf cichlids

Apistogramma, like Blue Rams, are South American natives. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water chemistry (pH 6.0-7.0) but don’t need particularly soft conditions to reproduce.

Some of the easiest to find are Apistogramma cacatuoides and A. borelli, but not only are there multiple species, there are also many aquarium bred and regional color morphs to choose from!

As micropredators, in addition to the usual prepared options, Apistogramma require a variety of small live and frozen invertebrates. Although Apistogramma are not particularly aggressive, they are still cichlids. They are territorial and will occasionally prey on intruders, particularly other cichlids such as Blue Rams.

And if you breed, expect the pair to become even more intolerant. As long as your tank is larger than 20 gallons and you have plenty of plants and rocks to break line of sight, your breeding Apistos shouldn’t give your other fish too much time.

Scientific name: Apistogramma sp.

Apistogramma sp. Origin: South America

South America Size: 2-3 inch

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

killifish

Killifish are among my favorite but least appreciated fish. Because they have unusual breeding habits and a short lifespan, most annual killifish tend to be rare in the hobby. Annuals come from seasonal streams and ponds that dry up part of the year.

As a result, their motto is Live Big and Live Fast; They grow from drought-resistant eggs to sexually mature adults in just a few weeks!

Other killifish are semi-annual to not annual: they come from settled waters and, like most fish, are egg litterers. These killis also tend to live longer as a result. Almost all killifish are tiny carnivores that prey on worms, plankton, and tiny crustaceans.

Scientific name: Order Cyprinodontiformes

Order Cyprinodontiformes Origin: Worldwide

Worldwide Size: Variable

Variable Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

betta fish

Bettas are some of the most popular fish in the world and one that would make a good German Blue Ram tankmate. Aquarists see bettas in their solitary cups and assume they are too aggressive to live alongside other fish.

The truth is that Bettas are mostly aggressive towards each other and mostly male to male. They mostly ignore other fish except when defending a bubble nest. Bettas occasionally need to be defended as many fish find their flowing fins to be tempting targets.

German bluebuck are not large pincers, but barbel and larger tetras often are. Female Bettas and Wild Type Bettas might be better choices if your rams are a bit more aggressive!

Scientific name: Betta splendens

Betta splendens Origin: Thailand

Thailand size: 2-3 inch

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

Gold Tetra

Golden tetras are among my favorite tetras: they are as beautiful as neon tetras and cardinal tetras, but unusual enough to warrant a second look from experienced aquarists. The gold dust color actually comes from guanine, which is secreted by specialized cells to ward off skin parasites.

Gold tetras can be a little more sensitive as many are wild caught fish. Wild fish are easily stressed by sudden changes in water chemistry or poor quality food. Try to keep conditions as close to the Amazon as possible: pH 5.5-7.0, elevated temperatures (78-82F), and soft water.

It is worth noting that the gold dust color is strongest in wild specimens. Tank bred fish and 1st generation juveniles tend to be less intensely colored. The reasons are not fully understood, but it is suspected that the relative lack of parasites in aquaria does not provide the necessary stimuli for the gold dust color to fully express itself.

Scientific name: Hemigrammus rodwayi

Hemigrammus rodwayi Origin: South America

South America Size: 1½ inch

1½ in. Temperament: Peaceful; training

Rummy nasal tetra

Rummy-nosed tetras are another slightly unusual species for aquarists looking for something other than neons or serpae tetras. Like most tetras, they make good tankmates for German blue rams: they are peaceful, schooling, and avid eaters of anything appropriately sized.

Rummy-nosed tetras are blackwater fish; They prefer very warm, very soft, acidic water for best color and breeding (pH 4.0-6.0, temperature 80-84F). Today, however, many are tank grown and will tolerate conditions down to neutral and even slightly alkaline.

Other blackwater fish that can live with them as well as German blue rams include bristle catfish, discus and cardinal tetras!

Scientific name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Hemigrammus rhodostomus Origin: South America

South America Size: 2 inches

2 inches Temperament: Peaceful; training

Cow loach

Bottom dwellers are sometimes neglected in favor of the individual catfish as algae eaters. However, the Kuhli Loach is an interesting choice for the small fish community aquarium. These worm-like fish like nothing better than heavily planted, fine-grained substrates to root through in search of Tubifex worms and lost flakes or pellets.

Keep in mind that they are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) so you may not see them often. And if your substrate is fine enough, you may not see them for days, only to be suddenly surprised when your cow gets hungry enough to eat during the day.

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Instead of leaving them scrounging and starving, set out sinking waffles before the lights go out. Kuhlis also like frozen invertebrates like mosquito larvae and artemia, which provide extra fat and protein to boost egg production!

Scientific name: Pangio kuhlii

Pangio kuhlii Origin: Malaysia & Indonesia

Malaysia & Indonesia Size: 4 inches

4 inches Temperament: Peaceful; Shy

golden mullet

While the wild gold mullet is a greenish, muted species, the variety commonly seen in shops was originally cultivated in China, home of the equally colorful goldfish. And like goldfish, gold barbs are omnivores, eating anything small enough: detritus, soft plants, invertebrates… It’s all fair game!

Combined with their hardiness and ease of breeding, it’s no wonder the golden mullet is so popular. They also do not lose their metallic luster, in contrast to golden tetras.

Gold barbs can be a bit shy at times, so provide them with plenty of plants, either live or plastic, to hide in. They also form schools of fish; A group of 4-6 individuals will be much more willing to explore outdoors than a single solitary barbel.

Scientific name: Barbodes semifasciolatus

Barbodes semifasciolatus Origin: Red River, Southeast Asia

Red River, Southeast Asia Size: 2-3 inches

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful

dwarf gourami

Most of the smaller Gourami species are great German Blue Ram tankmates: Honey, Chocolate, Sparkling and more. However, the pygmy gourami is both the easiest to find and the most colorful.

Many of their color morphs look very similar to German Blue Rams, including the Powder Blue morph. Dwarf gouramis are midwater to surface dwelling fish and are very peaceful even when breeding. Males show off to each other and potential mates, but rarely harm each other.

If you decide to breed them you will need still surface water so as not to disturb their fragile bubble nests. Dwarf gouramis also come in a variety of color morphs; from Sunset and Powder Blue to the wild type variety are all striking.

Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius

Trichogaster lalius Origin: South Asia

South Asia Size: 2-3 inches

2-3 inches Temperament: Peaceful

Dwarf Otocinclus

Dwarf Otocinclus are among the best algae eaters for small community fish tanks. They are not nearly as territorial as larger sucker catfish and prefer to be kept in small groups.

Like most loricariids, pygmy otos are predominantly vegetarian: Algae, slightly decayed plant parts, biofilms and blanched vegetables are eaten with pleasure!

Make sure to give regular supplemental feeds once the algae are low. Otos get nice round bellies like a tadpole when full, so make sure they’re not looking crafty all the time.

Getting them to breed in aquariums is difficult, but not impossible. They need soft water conditions, lots of algae to graze on, and thick live plants to disperse their eggs. Fully grown planted aquascapes are the best place to breed otos!

Scientific Name: Otocinclus vittatus & related species

Otocinclus vittatus & related species Origin: South America

South America Size: 1 to 1½ inches

1 to 1½ in. Temperament: Peaceful; training