Golden Blue Head Ram

Overview

• Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
• Common Names: Golden Blue Head Ram, Gold Ram, Electric Blue Head Ram, Gold German Ram
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Originally from South America (Orinoco River Basin), but the golden blue head color is the result of selective breeding in captivity.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Golden Blue Head Rams are small cichlids, typically growing to around 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm).
• Coloration:
  • The body is predominantly golden yellow or gold, especially on the flanks and underbelly.
  • The head features a stunning electric blue coloration, often with iridescent blue patches that extend slightly onto the body.
  • There are often subtle red highlights around the eyes, with black markings or stripes on the head and across the eye.
  • Fins: Their fins are typically translucent or lightly colored, with hints of blue, red, or yellow, depending on the individual.
• Body Shape: Like other Rams, they have a compact, oval body with elongated dorsal and anal fins, giving them an elegant appearance.

Behavior

• Temperament: Golden Blue Head Rams are peaceful and relatively shy fish. They do well in community tanks, though they may show mild territorial behavior, especially during breeding.
• Activity Level: These fish are moderately active, typically swimming in the middle and bottom levels of the tank. They are inquisitive and enjoy exploring their surroundings, but they aren't as aggressive or boisterous as other cichlid species.
• Sociability: They can be kept in pairs or small groups, but pairs are often best suited to avoid potential territorial squabbles.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair, but larger tanks (30 gallons or more) are preferable if you plan to keep more Rams or other tank mates.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 78°F to 85°F (25°C to 29°C) — They prefer warm, stable temperatures.
  • pH Level: 5.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral water).
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately soft water is ideal (1 to 5 dGH).
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is recommended, as they enjoy sifting through sand to search for food.
• Tank Setup:
  • Plants and Decorations: A well-planted tank with driftwood, rocks, and caves offers them hiding spots and territories to explore. They prefer shaded areas and the cover of plants.
  • Filtration: Like other Rams, Golden Blue Head Rams are sensitive to poor water quality. A good filtration system with gentle water flow is essential to maintain optimal water conditions.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting brings out their vibrant colors, especially the electric blue head.

Diet

• Feeding: Golden Blue Head Rams are omnivores. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and plant matter, so a varied diet is crucial in captivity:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes designed for omnivores.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and tubifex worms.
  • Occasional offerings of blanched vegetables (e.g., spinach or peas) can be beneficial.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1-2 times a day, providing small amounts that they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Like other Rams, Golden Blue Head Rams are biparental breeders, meaning both parents care for their eggs and fry. They will clean a flat surface (such as a rock or leaf) to spawn.
• Spawning Conditions: Slightly warmer water, around 82°F to 85°F, and slightly acidic water (pH 6.0 to 6.5) encourage spawning.
• Parental Care: Both the male and female will guard and care for the eggs, which hatch in about 2 to 3 days. The fry become free-swimming after around a week.
• Fry Care: The fry should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food, followed by baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Golden Blue Head Rams are peaceful, making them compatible with other peaceful community fish. Ideal tank mates include:
  • Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Rummy Nose Tetras).
  • Corydoras catfish.
  • Otocinclus.
  • Avoid aggressive fish or fin nippers like large cichlids or barbs, as they can stress or injure the Rams.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Golden Blue Head Rams can live for 3 to 4 years, though in ideal conditions, they may live longer.

Health Considerations

• Water Quality Sensitivity: Golden Blue Head Rams are sensitive to water quality. Ammonia and nitrate levels must be kept low, so regular water changes (20-30% weekly) and monitoring are essential.
• Disease Susceptibility: Like all Rams, they can be prone to diseases like ich and fin rot if water quality is not maintained. Their delicate nature makes prevention (good water quality, varied diet) more important than treatment.

Interesting Facts

1. Selective Breeding: The Golden Blue Head Ram is a result of selective breeding for its unique coloration, with the vibrant golden body and metallic blue head not seen in wild populations.
2. Color Intensity: The electric blue on the head can become more intense during breeding periods or when the fish are in optimal health.
3. Peaceful Nature: Despite being a cichlid, the Golden Blue Head Ram is far more peaceful than most of its relatives, making it ideal for a community setup.