Ram cichlid

The electric blue ram is a high-colour line of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, a dwarf cichlid from the Orinoco basin savannas of Venezuela and Colombia. Where wild rams carry patches of blue over a golden body, this strain has been bred for an even wash of bright metallic blue along the flanks. It stays small, only about 4 centimetres, and shows the species' high dorsal fin, red eye, and rounded body. The blue line is prized for its looks but tends to be more delicate than standard German blue rams, a side effect of intensive selective breeding.

Rams are peaceful dwarf cichlids that suit a quiet community of small, gentle tankmates such as tetras and corydoras. They are best kept as a single fish or a bonded pair; two males may squabble over territory, though serious harm is rare. As omnivores they sift the substrate and pick at small invertebrates and organic matter, so offer a mix of micro-pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They are sensitive to poor water quality and dissolved waste, which is the usual reason a newly bought ram fails.

This is a warm-water fish: hold the temperature high, around 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, in soft, acidic water for best health, and use a 60 litre or larger tank with cover, gentle flow, and stable parameters. Rams are open substrate spawners with strong parental instincts. A pair cleans a flat stone or shallow pit, both guard and fan the eggs, then herd the wriggling fry around the tank. First-time parents often eat their early clutches before they learn the routine, but an established pair will spawn again and again in a calm, well-kept aquarium.