CheckMyFishTank

German Blue Ram care

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi · Freshwater · Advanced level care

German Blue Ram, painted illustration

A beautiful, peaceful dwarf cichlid that needs warm, clean, soft water.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size2.5 inches
Temperature80 to 84°F
pH5 to 7
GroupA group of 2 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsBottom of the tank
Lives2 to 4 years
Watch for: Often sold weak from mass breeding. Needs stable, warm, pristine water.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Small pellets, frozen foods, flakes.

Claims a territory and guards it.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with German Blue Ram in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Neon Tetra: Neon Tetra and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.
  • Buenos Aires Tetra: Buenos Aires Tetra and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.
  • Flame Tetra: Flame Tetra and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.
  • Emperor Tetra: Emperor Tetra and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.
  • Golden Pencilfish: Golden Pencilfish and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.
  • Tiger Barb: Tiger Barb and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.
  • Rosy Barb: Rosy Barb and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.
  • Odessa Barb: Odessa Barb and German Blue Ram need different water temperatures.

Questions

What size tank does a German Blue Ram need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 2. Adults grow to about 2.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a German Blue Ram like?

80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 5 to 7. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many German Blue Ram should I keep together?

Keep 2 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do German Blue Ram eat?

Small pellets, frozen foods, flakes. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.