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Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
• Common Names: Electric Blue Ram, Blue Ram Cichlid, Butterfly Cichlid
• Origin: Captive-bred; wild ancestors from the Orinoco River Basin in Colombia and Venezuela 
• Size: 2–3 inches (5–8 cm)
• Lifespan: 2–4 years
• Temperament: Peaceful but mildly territorial, especially during breeding 

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Appearance

• Color: Iridescent neon blue body with orange and yellow highlights
• Eyes: Bright red with a black dot or stripe
• Fins: Long, pointed dorsal and pelvic fins; males have longer fins and more vivid coloration
• Variants: Includes Balloon and Long-Fin types

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Aquarium Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair; larger tanks (30–40 gal) recommended for multiple individuals 
• Substrate: Fine sand preferred for digging behavior
• Decor: Dense vegetation, driftwood, rocks, caves, and floating plants
• Lighting: Moderate; subdued lighting enhances coloration
• Filtration: Gentle flow; peat filtration and Indian almond leaves help replicate natural conditions 

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Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–85°F (24–30°C)
• pH: 5.0–7.5 (slightly acidic preferred)
• Hardness: 5–12 GH
• TDS: 18–179 ppm
• Note: Sensitive to poor water quality—requires mature, stable tanks 

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Diet

• Type: Omnivorous
• Foods:
  • High-quality flakes and pellets
  • Live/frozen: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, mosquito larvae
  • Occasional vegetables and spirulina
• Feeding: Small portions multiple times daily to maintain water quality

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Behavior & Compatibility

• Social Structure: Best kept in pairs or small groups
• Tank Mates:
  • Peaceful, slow-moving species like Corydoras, Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis
  • Avoid other dwarf cichlids to prevent aggression
• Territoriality: Increases during breeding; provide hiding spots

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Breeding

• Method: Egg-layer
• Spawning: On flat stones or pits; up to 300 eggs
• Parental Care: Both parents guard and fan eggs; fry become free-swimming in ~5 days
• Fry Diet: Infusoria, crushed flakes, then baby brine shrimp 

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