Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: The Blue Ram Cichlid

A Blue Ram cichlid is an overall docile fish, but
is not normally recommended for new aquarium
owners. Owning this species of fish can take a
great amount of care and knowledge. Not everyone
is up for such a challenge when they are becoming
first time fish owners.

Appearance of the Blue Ram Cichlid

This cichlid can grow to be almost 3 inches in
length, although the female is usually smaller
than that. The fish is short and thick, with
very bright colors. Its body is colored
yellowish green, with blue spots. Some Blue Ran
Cichlids may develop light stripes on its body,
as well. Wild Blue Rams fish will commonly have
darker stripes than those kept in captivity.

The German Blue Ram cichlid's appearance is
different. Its flanks are most often blue or
gray, and its head and chest are normally
patterns mixed with yellow and black, with
different shades of blue. Red spots can be seen
around its eyes and belly.

Care of a Blue Ram Cichlid

Blue Ram cichlids are native to the Orinoco River
basin, located in the llanos of Columbia and
Venezuela. They are accustomed to water
temperatures that range between 78 and 85 degrees
Fahrenheit. The pH levels stay around 5, thus
they will prefer soft and acidic water in their
tanks. In order to keep Blue Ram cichlids, a 20
gallon tank is required. They like to have a lot
of room, so the tank size should be increased if
more fish will be added to the tank. If Blue Ram
cichlids are unhappy with their surroundings,
they can become aggressive, even violent.

The best way to keep the Blue Ram cichlid happy
and keep its aggression in check is to replicate
the conditions of the its natural environment in
your aquarium. The first step for doing this is
to research the water chemistry of the Orinoco
River basin (most of the water chemistry is
listed above). Then you will want to research
the substrate of the river basin as well as the
plants. You can also find out which freshwater
fish also live in the Orinoco and use them as
tank mates for the Blue Ram.

Once you have completed your research (which you
may want to do before you buy a Blue Ram), you
will have a list of everything you need to make
it feel right at home: water parameters, tank
mates, substrate, and plants.

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There is a lot to learn about proper cichlid care
and cichlid aquarium setup. Learn the insider
secrets on my site.
http://www.cichlidfishcentral.com/cichlid-fish-art
icles/essentials-cichlid-care/

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