Can blue ram cichlid tank mates live together? With its vibrant colors and confident personality, the German Blue Sheepfish (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is one of the most prominent freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. When you see a healthy sheepfish in breeding condition, almost every shade of the rainbow is represented. In this article, fishtankenthusiast.com will share about blue ram cichlid tank mates and notable information.
Learn about Blue German Sheep
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi is a South American dwarf emperorfish that goes by many common names, including male emperorfish, blue emperorfish, German blue emperorfish, butterfly emperorfish, and Ramirez dwarf emperorfish.
Contrary to its name, the German Blue sheepfish is native to the Orinoco river basin in Colombia and Venezuela. The name “German blue” refers to a color variation of the sheepfish that was selectively bred in Germany and became popular worldwide in the aquarium trade.
Size and lifespan of German Blue sheep fish
The normal size German Blue sheep fish is 5-6 cm in length. Due to poor breeding methods or improper care requirements, Blue German Shepherds have a reputation for being less hardy than other species. If given plenty of high-quality food and clean water at the right temperature, they can live up to 4 years.
How to care for German blue rams
Caring for German Blue Ram fish doesn’t have to be scary. These fish require little maintenance and are easy to keep because of their hardy nature and gentle temperament.
But that still means you should pay attention to their basic needs. There has been quite a bit of misinformation spread on forums when it comes to this species, so it is important to understand their basic requirements.
The following sections will provide you with 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 will give them plenty of space to swim and explore. We see many people saying that these fish will do well in a 10 gallon tank. While they will technically survive, the additional space we recommend will significantly impact their overall health and happiness in the long run. For most aquarium owners, the difference between 10 and 20 gallons is not that great (in terms of both cost and aquarium space).
Water parameters
One of the most important parts of German Blue Ram fish care is water maintenance. While this seems to apply to all fish species, this species can be especially affected by poor water conditions.
To get started, follow the parameters below.
Water temperature: 72°F to 79°F
pH: 5 to 7.5 (target medium)
Water hardness: 5 to 12 KH
We recommend testing the water regularly during the first few weeks of keeping fish. This will help you ensure stable water conditions as your fish are still adjusting. Invest in some solid filters. Water cleanliness is extremely important to this species.
Diet of German Blue sheep fish
German Blue Sheepfish are not picky eaters, and can eat any type of dry food from the pet store, such as sinking pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and freeze-dried tubeworms. They also love frozen foods such as brine shrimp, one-eyed worms, bloodworms and mysis shrimp. Feed a variety of foods to ensure they are getting enough essential nutrients and vitamins. Dean recommends feeding twice a day as puppies and once a day as adults.
Breeding German Blue sheep fish
If you keep a male and a female together, they will lay eggs in a hidden corner. To set up a dedicated breeding tank, buy a 10-gallon aquarium with a lid and floor to help them feel more secure. Use a lightweight sponge filter or a small hanging filter, as well as an adjustable aquarium heater. Place a variety of spawning sites such as flat river rocks or small terracotta pots and saucers. Add large clumps of Java moss or Java ferns to provide cover and raise protozoa for the fry to eat.
Prepare your fish for spawning by feeding them high-quality food and live brine shrimp every day. If the parents take care of the fry themselves, your job will be much easier. Start feeding the fry live brine shrimp and a powdered fry food like Hikari First Bites.
Can Blue German Sheep live alone?
Yes, if one is too aggressive and doesn’t get along with others, it will probably be happier alone as the leader of a community aquarium without any Blue German Shepherd Fish. any other.
Can blue ram cichlid tank mates live together?
Yes, they can live with almost blue ram cichlid tank mates that can withstand high temperatures such as tetras, Sterbai cory catfish, plecos, discus, angelfish and other German Blue sheepfish. Just don’t keep them with super fast eaters that will compete for food or larger fish that may see them as food.
Where to buy German Blue sheep fish?
German Blue sheep fish usually come from three sources: overseas fish farms, domestic fish farms or local breeders. If purchased from a fish store, the fish may be imported from abroad with brighter colors or longer fins. If purchased from a domestic farm in the United States, the fish is usually raised in Florida and is in better condition. The best scenario is to buy from a local breeder as the males are kept in water parameters that are more similar to yours and therefore have a better chance of growing.
Conclusion
The German Blue Sheepfish is a beautiful and interesting fish to keep in an aquarium. With proper care, they can grow strong and bring joy to their owners. Be sure to provide suitable habitat, an adequate diet, and good water conditions to keep your Blue German Shepherd fish healthy and beautiful.
