Ram - Blue Balloon (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

*Picture is of mature individual

The Blue Balloon Ram is a selectively bred variant of the German Blue Ram. Which is a colour variant of the original wild Ram. The Blue Balloon Ram is a selectively bred variant that focuses on altering the body of the Ram to be taller, shorter and more stout the otherwise more stream lined standard Ram body.

Rams are best housed in groups of 5 or more individuals, as they would live in social groups in the wild. While they are peaceful towards other tank mates, they fight amongst themselves to establish a group hierarchy. Larger groups of fish help to spread out their in-fighting, which makes it easier on the group as a whole. They prefer aquariums with a sand, gravel or mixed substrate, plenty of plants and driftwood. Rocks, live plants and driftwood also work to create territory within the aquarium so that individuals can establish their own space within the tank.

As the Blue Balloon Ram is a selectively bred farm raised species, thus they are very used to consuming commercially processed flake and pellet foods. They are generally considered aggressive feeders, who will eagerly swim to the aquarium glass as the hobbyist approaches in anticipation of being fed.

As with most fish species, it is best to feed them a variety of food items in order to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system. Meaty flakes, mini-pellets, freeze-dried worms and frozen brine shrimp are ideal. They should be fed a couple of times per day and the amount that they will consume within five minutes.

• Species – Microgeophagus ramirezi
• Common Name – Blue Balloon Ram
• Origin – South America
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – Acidic 5 – 7
• Temperature – Tropical 24°c – 28°c
• Breed Type – Egg Layer
• Current Size – approximately 4cm (Grows to approximately 6cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed