Latin Name: Hybrid of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Other Names: Balloon Ram, Electric Blue Balloon Ram
These vibrant fish are a visually stunning variant of the popular German Blue Ram, known for their electric blue hues and round, balloon-like body shape. They?re a standout addition to any peaceful community aquarium.
Electric Balloon Rams are moderately challenging to care for. They require stable water conditions and a well-maintained aquarium, but their peaceful temperament makes them rewarding for dedicated aquarists.
These little beauties grow to about 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm), making them ideal for smaller aquariums.
Electric Balloon Rams are a selectively bred variant of the Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, which originates from the rivers and streams of Venezuela and Colombia in South America.
You can keep them in pairs or small groups, provided the tank is spacious enough. A group of 3-5 Rams in a 20-gallon tank or larger works well. Ensure there?s plenty of space and plants or decorations to define territories.
They?re peaceful and get along with other calm, small to medium-sized fish. Ideal tankmates include tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful dwarf gouramis. Avoid larger, aggressive species or fin-nippers.
Stable, clean water is essential, so invest in good filtration and perform regular water changes.
Males are usually slightly larger with more pointed dorsal fins, while females are rounder and may display a pinkish hue on their bellies, especially during breeding.
Did you know the Balloon Ram’s rounded shape is the result of selective breeding? While it gives them their unique look, it also makes them less agile swimmers than their standard counterparts, so they prefer calm tank environments with minimal currents.
These can be found in tank: 38
