Electric Blue Ram

Looks how to spot one

Scales

The electric blue ram has a compact, oval body covered in small scales. Its most striking feature is the intense neon blue colour that covers almost the entire body, often with a darker patch near the eye and sometimes a hint of yellow or orange on the fins. The dorsal fin is tall and pointed in males, while females tend to be rounder and slightly smaller.35

Personality what they are like

Electric blue rams are generally peaceful and calm, but they can become territorial and aggressive when breeding. They are not suited to boisterous or fast-moving tankmates, as they are slow and deliberate feeders. They do best in a quiet, well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots.52

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Electric blue rams are not very active swimmers. They prefer a tank with plenty of cover, such as plants, caves and driftwood, and at least one open swimming area. They do not appreciate strong water flow, as their wild ancestors live in slow-moving waters.56

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

These fish need stable water conditions and are sensitive to organic waste. Regular water changes and good filtration are essential. They should not be added to a newly set-up tank. Provide a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places. Avoid strong water movement.53

Home where they are happiest

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (about 75 litres) is recommended for a pair, with larger tanks for groups. Water temperature should be kept between 26°C and 30°C (78.8°F to 86°F), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Soft, acidic water is ideal, though tank-raised fish can adapt to a wider range. Provide plants, caves and flat stones for spawning.536

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Electric blue rams are omnivorous but prefer meaty foods. Offer a varied diet of high-quality dry foods, frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, and live foods like mosquito larvae. They may be slow to accept dry foods at first, so be patient.563

Company who they like around

Electric blue rams are peaceful and do well with other calm, non-aggressive fish. They should not be kept with large or boisterous species that might outcompete them for food. They can be kept in pairs or small groups, but avoid keeping them with other dwarf cichlids. They are not suitable for a community with very small shrimp or delicate invertebrates.53

The story where it all began

The electric blue ram is a colour morph of the ram cichlid, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, developed in Asia around 2009. Unlike the wild-type ram, which has a yellowish-brown body with blue and red markings, the electric blue variety has been selectively bred for an intense, almost iridescent neon blue colour that covers most of its body. This striking appearance is the result of a genetic mutation that reduces the normal yellow and brown pigments. The electric blue ram is now popular in the aquarium trade, though it is often more expensive and considered slightly more delicate than the standard ram.15

Recognised by the official bits

Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine

Electric blue rams are a colour morph developed in 2009, less common and often more expensive than other ram varieties.5