Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric Electric Blue Golden Head Ram
| Qty (Stock) | Size | Sex | Unit price (Tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ¼" | - | 26$ |
IMPORTANT
Keeping fish in an aquarium requires an ethical and responsible approach that prioritizes animal welfare. Purchasing fish for an aquarium should never be an impulsive decision. It is essential to understand the specific needs of each species, including water quality, aquarium size, behavior, and diet. Only fish with similar water quality requirements should be kept together in the same aquarium.
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Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric
Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric, also sold as Electric Blue Golden Head Ram, is a highly colorful captive-bred form of the well-known Ram cichlid. Its body usually displays electric-blue iridescence, while the head shows noticeable golden-yellow tones. This variety remains a small and generally peaceful cichlid, but it requires warm, clean and stable water. It is especially suitable for calm community aquariums with plenty of cover and open bottom areas. Its availability is often variable, placing it among the more sought-after aquarium forms without making it consistently common in every fish store.
General species description
Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric belongs to the Ram cichlid group, a collection of small South American cichlids known for their colors, pair behavior and parental care. The Blue Electric form is a captive-bred selection of the family Cichlidae, not a separate species recognized by taxonomy. Its modest size allows it to be kept in a relatively compact aquarium, provided that sufficient bottom space and hiding places are supplied. Adults may become territorial during spawning, especially around a flat stone or another spawning surface. Despite its delicate appearance, it is sensitive to rapid parameter changes, accumulated waste and temperatures that are too low. Gentle filtration, regular water changes and careful acclimation support long-term health. Its commercial rarity is intermediate: the form is sought after, but availability may change quickly with new shipments.
Geographical origin and biotope
The wild species comes from the Orinoco basin, mainly in Venezuela and Colombia, where it inhabits calm areas of the Llanos floodplains. The aquarium form sold as Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric comes from captive-bred lines, including lines distributed by producers in Indonesia. In nature, the water is generally warm, soft to moderately mineralized and often slightly acidic to neutral. The habitat includes lagoons, small channels and shallow areas bordered by grasses, roots and emergent vegetation. The current is weak, and the bottom may be sandy or muddy in places. In the aquarium, this setting can be recreated with fine sand, roots, plants and open areas for feeding. A stable temperature between 27 and 30 °C is well suited to adults.
Precise location and local name
The natural range of Microgeophagus ramirezi lies in the Orinoco basin, particularly in lowland habitats associated with the Venezuelan and Colombian Llanos. In the aquarium trade, names such as Ramirezi, German Ram and Electric Blue Ram are used much more often than regional vernacular names. The term Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric refers to a line selected for metallic blue coloration and a golden head rather than to a specific geographic population. Store fish are generally produced through controlled breeding and should not be interpreted as wild fish collected from Indonesia or from a particular natural site. For aquarists, the commercial origin matters mainly because breeding quality, transport and acclimation strongly influence hardiness. Quarantine after arrival remains a useful precaution.
Appearance and physical characteristics
The body of Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric is fairly deep, laterally compressed and supported by well-developed fins. The head is often golden yellow, with a dark stripe crossing the eye, while the body and fins display intense metallic-blue coloration. Black markings and red or orange reflections may appear on the fins, throat or belly, depending on age and condition. The dorsal and pelvic fins may be more extended in some males, although captive lines can show considerable variation. The adult maximum size is about 7 cm, with females often slightly smaller. Color may fade during transport, under stress or in unsuitable water. Moderate lighting, a darker background and a good diet usually help the colors appear at their best.
General diet
The Ram cichlid is a small omnivore with a carnivorous tendency that searches sand and hard surfaces for tiny invertebrates. For Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric, offer a varied diet made of quality fine pellets, frozen foods and occasional suitable live foods. Brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and mosquito larvae can stimulate feeding, especially after transport or while conditioning a pair. Feed small portions frequently instead of one large meal to reduce leftovers and pollution. Dry foods should be small enough to swallow easily. A varied diet supports coloration, growth and overall condition, but it cannot compensate for unstable water. Remove uneaten food promptly, since this variety remains sensitive to poor water quality and organic waste accumulation.
Essential data
- River of origin: Orinoco basin; the Río Apure is associated with the type locality
- Local name used: Ramirezi
- Origin of the scientific name: the genus and specific epithet were assigned in the original description
- Full-name etymology: Microgeophagus means small earth-eater; ramirezi honors Manuel Ramirez; Blue Electric Golden Head is a trade name referring to the coloration
- Common/vernacular names: Ram cichlid, Ramirezi, Electric Blue Ram, Electric Blue Golden Head Ram
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Cichlinae
- Name pronunciation: mee-kroh-jee-oh-fay-gus rah-mee-REZ-ee
- Discovery: George Sprague Myers and Robert R. Harry, 1948
- Maximum adult size: about 7 cm
- Water temperature and pH: 27 to 30 °C; pH 5.0 to 7.5
- Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: calm, shallow water with sand, roots, grasses and emergent vegetation
- Typical tankmates: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Corydoras venezuelanus, Otocinclus affinis
- Temperament and behavior: peaceful, territorial around a spawning site; searches the bottom for food
- Water depth: shallow to moderate
- Sexual dimorphism: males are often larger with more extended fins; females may show a rosier belly
- Bottom structure and flow: fine sand, plant debris and roots; weak current
In your aquarium
Success with Microgeophagus ramirezi sp. Blue Electric depends more on stability than on an overcrowded decoration. A mature aquarium, warm water, gentle filtration and regular water changes are essential. Fine sand, roots and plants provide structure and reduce stress. Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates, especially during spawning. A varied diet in small portions helps maintain the electric-blue coloration and good adult condition. Pay close attention to water quality, temperature and appetite after introduction.
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