American Cichlid – Jumbo German Blue Ram – 5cm

Jumbo German Blue Ram

Jumbo German Blue Ram is a warm-water dwarf cichlid that suits calm community aquariums. It shows a blue body with gold tones and a dark eye stripe, so it stands out without acting tough. Because this fish comes from slow waters in the Orinoco basin, it prefers stable parameters and low stress. With steady care, it settles in quickly and interacts confidently around the lower tank.

Size and Lifespan

Adults usually reach about 6–7 cm, and they live around 3–4 years in a well-kept tank. Males grow a touch larger and extend their dorsal fin as they mature. However, these rams react fast to poor water, so consistent maintenance matters. If you keep the temperature warm and the water clean, they stay active and feed well through adulthood.

Ideal Tank Setup for the Jumbo German Blue Ram

Aim for a mature aquarium of at least 75 litres for one pair, and go larger for a community. These rams like soft, slightly acidic to neutral water and gentle flow. To replicate its natural habitat:

• Use fine sand or smooth gravel for safe digging.
• Add dense plants with open swimming patches.
• Include small caves, driftwood, and leaf litter for cover.
• Keep lighting dim to moderate with floating plants.
• Run a quiet filter that avoids strong current.

As a result, this Ram feels secure and shows natural foraging behaviour.

Compatible Tank Mates for the Jumbo German Blue Ram

Choose peaceful fish that enjoy the same warm range. Suitable tank mates include:

• Cardinal tetras
• Rummy-nose tetras
• Corydoras that handle higher temperatures
• Otocinclus
• Small, calm livebearers
• Other gentle dwarf cichlids in roomy tanks

Still, avoid fin-nippers and aggressive cichlids, because they stress this species and can stop it from feeding.

Diet and Feeding

Rams eats an omnivorous diet. Offer quality micro-pellets or fine granules daily, then add variety with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Also include some veggie-based flakes now and then to balance digestion. Feed small amounts 1–2 times a day, and remove leftovers, so the water stays clean.

Breeding and Behaviour of Jumbo German Blue Ram

When a pair bonds, Rams become more territorial, yet it still stays fairly mild. The female lays eggs on flat stones or cleaned substrate, and both parents fan and guard the clutch. Meanwhile, you should keep the tank quiet and the water warm, because stable conditions improve hatch rates. Fry hatch in a few days and then follow the parents for protection.

Species Overview

• Species – Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
• Common Name – Jumbo German Blue Ram
• Origin – Orinoco River basin, Venezuela and Colombia
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – 6.0–7.5
• Temperature – 24°C–28°C
• Breed Type – Egg Layer
• Current Size – 6cm
• Max Size – 7cm
• Tank Size – 75 litres+

FAQs About Jumbo German Blue Ram

What size tank is ideal for Rams?
A 75-litre tank suits a pair, while a larger setup works better for a mixed community, so they have room to claim small territories.

Can they live with other fish?
Yes, they usually live well with calm, warm-water species, provided the tank mates are not pushy or prone to nipping.

How often should I feed them?
Feed once or twice daily in small portions. Therefore, they finish food quickly and you avoid waste build-up.

Do they need to be in groups?
They do best as a bonded pair or in a small group only if the tank is spacious, because tight quarters can trigger squabbles.

How long do they live?
With stable water, good food, and low stress, they commonly live 3–4 years in home aquariums.

Add a Jumbo German Blue Ram to Your Aquarium Today!