Common Name Blue Ram

Other Common Names Butterfly Cichlid

Scientific Name Apistogramma ramirezi

Family Cichlidae

Community Semi-Aggressive

Class Cichlids

Temperature 78 ºF

Swimming Range Middle-Bottom

Adult Length 3 inches

Feeding Habits Live blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. Frozen plankton, beef heart, brine shrimp, glass worms and blood worms. Freeze dried and flake foods accepted on occasion.

Compatibility Peaceful with the same sized fish, but may eat the smaller fish.

Habitat Columbia-Venezuela: Moderately decorated with rocks, live plants and driftwood.

Breeding The male has a longer dorsal fin than the female. During spawning 150-200 eggs can be produced.

Additional Comments They have a short life span which averages 2-3 years. The Ram is sensitive to chemicals in the water, low oxygen levels, nitrites and changes in their environment.