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German Black Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

$4999 CAD
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SKU: 41534701010846

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German Black Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

Description

German Black Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a selectively bred variant of the popular ram cichlid, known for its rounded body shape and striking dark coloration. 

Appearance

  • The Balloon Ram has a shorter, rounder body than standard rams due to selective breeding, which gives it a "balloon-like" look 
  • The German Black variant features a deep black body with iridescent blue highlights, making it a standout in planted or aquascaped tanks
  • These fish typically grow to about 2 inches, slightly smaller than standard rams.

Care Requirements

  • Tank Size: Minimum 12–15 gallons for a pair; larger tanks (30+ gallons) recommended for groups 
  • Water Parameters:
    • Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
    • Nitrate: <30 ppm
  • Filtration: Gentle flow preferred; HOB or canister filters are suitable.
  • Substrate & Decor: Use soft substrates and provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, and live plants like flame moss or guppy grass 

Diet

  • Omnivorous and micropredators.
  • Feed nutrient-rich sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional treats like frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp 

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 2–3 years, shorter than standard rams due to their compressed body shape 
  • Weekly 20% water changes and quarantine protocols are highly recommended.

Temperament

  • Peaceful and suitable for community tanks.
  • Males may be territorial, especially in smaller tanks.
  • Best kept with non-aggressive tankmates like tetras, corydoras, or dwarf gouramis.

Specifications
  • Category
    Cichlids
  • Species Type
    Ram Cichlid
  • Water Temperature
    80°F to 86°F
  • Minimum Tank Size
    20 Gallons
  • Water pH Level
    Acidic, Neutral
  • Habitat Preference
    Driftwood, Hiding Spots, Planted Tanks
  • Behaviour
    Semi-aggressive, Community Fish

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German Black Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) | Cichlids Badis & Gouramis | Largest Tropical Fish Selection at Your Local Fish Store
Two-Man Aquatics

German Black Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

$4999 CAD

German Black Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a selectively bred variant of the popular ram cichlid, known for its rounded body shape and striking dark coloration. 

Appearance

  • The Balloon Ram has a shorter, rounder body than standard rams due to selective breeding, which gives it a "balloon-like" look 
  • The German Black variant features a deep black body with iridescent blue highlights, making it a standout in planted or aquascaped tanks
  • These fish typically grow to about 2 inches, slightly smaller than standard rams.

Care Requirements

  • Tank Size: Minimum 12–15 gallons for a pair; larger tanks (30+ gallons) recommended for groups 
  • Water Parameters:
    • Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
    • Nitrate: <30 ppm
  • Filtration: Gentle flow preferred; HOB or canister filters are suitable.
  • Substrate & Decor: Use soft substrates and provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, and live plants like flame moss or guppy grass 

Diet

  • Omnivorous and micropredators.
  • Feed nutrient-rich sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional treats like frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp 

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 2–3 years, shorter than standard rams due to their compressed body shape 
  • Weekly 20% water changes and quarantine protocols are highly recommended.

Temperament

  • Peaceful and suitable for community tanks.
  • Males may be territorial, especially in smaller tanks.
  • Best kept with non-aggressive tankmates like tetras, corydoras, or dwarf gouramis.

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