RAM LONG FIN BALLOON BLUE 4cm

The longfin balloon blue ram is a farm-bred form of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi — the same species as the German blue ram, with a short, rounded “balloon” body and extra-long fins. It is striking, but more delicate than a standard ram. Treat it as an intermediate fish: warm, stable, clean water is non-negotiable. Their temperament is peaceful, but they become territorial when spawning.

IMPORTANT: Keep them warm and stable. Cool community tanks (24–26°C) often cause these fish to fade and die. Keep nitrates low, feed small, digestible meals, and provide sand and cover. Do that and the colour and long fins are worth it; skip the warmth or overfeed and they usually don’t last.

TANK SET UP: Footprint over height — they live on the sand. Fine sand (they sift it; the name Mikrogeophagus means “little earth-eater”). Soft plants, driftwood, leaf litter, a couple of small caves or rock overhangs. Use botanicals/peat / soft-water buffers, rather than chasing pH with chemicals.

TANK MATE: Usually calm, mid-to-bottom. A bonded pair is the usual setup. Two males in a small tank will fight.

Good with cardinal tetras, rummynose, pencilfish, ember tetras, small rasboras that tolerate warmth, Corydoras, otos, small peaceful plecos, shrimp if the rams are well fed.

FILTRATION: Gentle flow only — sponge filter or a canister/HOB with the outlet baffled.

MAINTENANCE: Ammonia/nitrite 0ppm; Nitrate under 20 ppm (under 15 is better). 25–30% weekly water changes.

FEEDING:

Feed micro slow-sinking pellets or crushed quality flake.

2–3 times a week: frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, finely chopped bloodworm (sparingly).

Occasional: spirulina flake or a bit of blanched spinach.

Feed 2 small meals a day.

Fast one day a week if they look heavy.

NOTE:

The balloon gut is cramped, so small portions of easily digested food matter more than variety alone.