The Blue Black Ram 3.5cm is a striking colour form of the popular dwarf ram cichlid, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. With shimmering blue highlights, dark body markings and a compact size, Blue Black Rams make an eye‑catching centrepiece for smaller, well‑scaped aquariums.
At around 3.5cm, these Blue Black Ram 3.5cm are juvenile to young sub‑adult size, giving you the chance to grow them on, watch their colours intensify and enjoy their engaging, inquisitive behaviour in a peaceful community or dedicated dwarf cichlid tank.
Appearance and Size
- Common name: Blue Black Ram
- Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (colour variety)
- Size at sale: approximately 3.5cm
- Adult size: usually around 5–7cm in a suitable aquarium
- Colour: electric blue iridescence with dark “black” patterning and typical ram body shape
Good diet, warm water and low stress will help your Blue Black Ram 3.5cm show their best colour.
Tank Requirements for Blue Black Ram 3.5cm
Blue Black Rams prefer warm, soft, clean water and a calm environment:
- Minimum tank size: around 60cm / 2ft for a pair or small group
- Temperature: warm water, typically 26–30°C
- Décor: plants, driftwood and rocks to create hiding spots and visual barriers
- Substrate: fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal for natural behaviour
- Filtration: gentle to moderate flow with excellent biological filtration
A well‑planted, low‑stress environment will help your Blue Black Ram 3.5cm settle in and display natural, confident behaviour.
Water Parameters (Guide Only)
For long‑term success, keep Blue Black Rams in stable, warm, soft water:
- Temperature: 26–30°C
- pH: roughly 6.0–7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: soft to low‑medium hardness
- Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: kept low with regular water changes
Rams are sensitive to poor water quality and sudden swings, so consistent maintenance is key for Blue Black Ram 3.5cm.
Feeding Blue Black Ram 3.5cm
The Blue Black Ram 3.5cm is an omnivorous dwarf cichlid that appreciates a varied, high‑quality diet:
- Staple foods:
- Quality micro‑pellets or small cichlid pellets
- High‑quality tropical granules
- Frozen / live foods:
- Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and similar small invertebrates
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily, ensuring all food is eaten within a few minutes. A good diet helps your Blue Black Rams maintain strong colour, growth and condition.
Behaviour and Tank Mates
Blue Black Rams are generally peaceful dwarf cichlids with lots of personality:
- Behaviour: curious, active and often seen exploring the lower and mid‑levels of the tank
- Social: can be kept as pairs or small groups, but may form territories, especially when breeding
- Temperament: peaceful compared to many cichlids, but can be mildly territorial
Suitable tank mates for Blue Black Ram 3.5cm include:
- Small, peaceful tetras and rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful dwarf cichlids (with care and space)
- Shrimp and snails may be picked at, especially very small individuals
Avoid large, aggressive or very boisterous fish that may stress or outcompete Blue Black Rams.
Important Notes
- Blue Black Ram 3.5cm are best suited to intermediate keepers due to their sensitivity to water quality.
- Always acclimate new fish slowly to your aquarium to minimise stress.
- Regular water changes, good filtration and a stable, warm temperature range are essential for long‑term success.
