Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Balloon Ram is a selectively bred ornamental strain of the German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi). This ornamental line has similar coloration to the wild-type German blue ram, however its body is more robust and tall. Sexing these can be more difficult, though males will likely have a more pronounced and taller second ray of the dorsal fin and both dorsal and anal fins will have a more pointed edge. Clutch success of Balloon rams is significantly reduced compared to the standard German blue ram. Even though Balloon rams are cichlids, they are very peaceful (with the exception of territoriality during spawning) and are popular choices for planted and community aquariums. Either one Balloon ram, or a male – female pair, is recommended per aquarium. An adult Balloon ram can reach a size of approximately 3″.

Diet Requirements: Balloon rams are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking pellet foods and frozen foods such as bloodworms, spirulina brine shrimp, daphnia or other mixed freshwater preparations are ideal. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An extremely established minimum 20 to 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a pair of Balloon rams. Balloon rams can be successfully kept in smaller aquariums, but this should only be attempted by the dedicated aquarist who can handle the difficulty of maintaining superb water parameters in less water volume. Balloon rams are much more sensitive than the wild German blue type. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 15 ppm); they are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with rocks and other furnishings to create many hiding spaces. Few hiding spaces could result in your Balloon ram acting more aggressively toward tank mates. Balloon rams thrive especially well in dense live planted aquariums. Given their temperament, Balloon rams rarely conflict with tank mates and are best kept with peaceful species, such as tetras, danios and rasboras. Other semi-aggressive bottom dwelling species and dwarf cichlids, such as apistogrammas, should be avoided. Recommended water conditions, 78-82° F, KH 5-12, pH 5.0-7.0.

Purchase Size: Small: 1”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.