Black Balloon Ramirezi (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi var. Black Balloon)

The Black Balloon Ramirezi is a rare and eye-catching selectively bred variety of the German Blue Ram. Featuring a deep black to charcoal body with subtle iridescent blue highlights and a distinctive balloon-shaped body, this peaceful dwarf cichlid makes a striking centerpiece for planted and community aquariums. Its calm temperament, compact size, and unique coloration make it an excellent choice for aquarists looking for something truly different.

What We Like About This Fish
Rare deep black coloration with subtle iridescent highlights
Unique rounded balloon body shape
Peaceful dwarf cichlid suitable for community aquariums
Excellent centerpiece fish for planted tanks
Intelligent with fascinating breeding behavior
Recommended Tank Parameters
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters)
Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
pH: 5.5–7.2
KH: 1–6 dKH
Water Flow: Gentle

A heavily planted aquarium with driftwood, caves, and excellent water quality will help maintain vibrant coloration and reduce stress.

Care Guidelines

Diet:
Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other protein-rich foods.

Social Behavior:
Peaceful. Best kept as a pair or with other peaceful community fish. May become territorial during breeding.

Origin:
Tank-bred selectively bred variety of the German Blue Ram, originally native to the Orinoco River Basin of Venezuela and Colombia.

Average Adult Size:
5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)

Average Purchase Size:
3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches)

Shrimp Safe:
Generally NO. Adult shrimp may coexist in heavily planted aquariums, but shrimplets and small shrimp are likely to be preyed upon.